Proposed budget cut could close Martinsville's senior center

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MARTINSVILLE (WSLS 10) - The Senior Citizen Center in Martinsville could soon close. The city's proposed budget would eliminate thousands of dollars from senior services. The cuts would also impact hundreds who rely on social services for rides to and from appointments or daily errands. These are services many Southside seniors say they don't want to lose.

It's more than just a game of bingo, it's a family. The Senior Citizen Center in Martinsville serves as a home-away-from-home for many like Jo Brammer who's been a member for 18-years.

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"I love this place," commented Brammer. "This is my second home, almost."

But now, this close-knit group risks losing it all.  Wednesday, city council proposed a $200,000 budget cut in senior services. If passed, the center would be forced to close July 1.

"Man, I started crying," said Brammer. "They've taken everything away from us. And now, they're going to take that away from us. What are we supposed to do?"

Brammer said whether it's bingo or an ice cream social, the center gives her time to get out of the house and socialize with friends.

And there's more at stake; seven employees could lose their jobs and transportation services that provide senior citizens rides to the doctor's or grocery store, would be cut.

"I think they need to give more thought into it because, we have already paid our taxes and we've paid our dues," said senior center member Ora Hightower.

City manager Leon Towarnicki told us it's this budget cut, raising taxes, or somehow finding extra funds to help balance the budget. He added over several years, major businesses have closed, resulting in loss of revenue for the city.

"The recession that occurred in 2008 took a lot out of the area," said Towarnicki. "So, a combination of those things, increases costs and flats staying at revenue," lead council to a proposed cut in senior services.

Council will vote on this proposed budget cut Tuesday, April, 26th

Nearby, there are three senior center locations -- one in Martinsville, Franklin County and the city of Danville.