Senior center costs questioned

Several Sturgis representatives and county commissioner Allen Balog said they won’t commit to a proposed new senior center until they see anticipated rent and operating costs for the $2.6 million site.
During last week’s commission on aging meeting, Lynn Coursey, COA executive director, called it premature to discuss the rent St. Joseph County will charge the COA for the space until construction costs have been finalized.
Coursey, however, acknowledged COA officials are currently consulting with building designers on interior finishes and the space was planned with COA programs in mind.
Trustee Steve Boland, of Sturgis, also questioned how the new senior center can move forward until the COA determines if its already-tight budget can afford the space.
The agency pays $1,000 a month for its current Sturgis Senior Center that is an aging structure with handicapped-access limitations.
Balog, who has opposed several county commission resolutions on the project, said he’s echoed Thompson and Boland’s concerns.