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iii. Driver shortages, vehicles needing updated and funding are all an issue <br /> iv. This service has been in place for 35 years, our seniors don't have the <br /> funds to pay for roundtrip transportation ($6 round trip per day in urban <br /> zone; $25.50 one way from the rural areas) <br /> v. Janice will continue to work with and advocate for OCPT budgeting for <br /> transportation for seniors <br /> vi. OCPT ridership is way down from pre-pandemic level <br /> f. Seymour Center evening/weekend hours will resume in the near future <br /> i. Looking at April 1, to resume at Seymour. <br /> ii. Evening/weekend hours at the Passmore Center depends on the <br /> SportPlex using our facility and reimbursing us for the staff time to open <br /> the facility <br /> g. With masks being optional, it is important for everyone to be respectful of each <br /> person's choice concerning masks <br /> i. New County mask signage will be translated into Spanish and Mandarin. <br /> We will keep old signs just in case we need them. <br /> ii. We can encourage, but cannot require a resident to mask up, unless in a <br /> healthcare setting. It is importance to respect everyone's choice. <br /> iii. Hybrid classes will be offered from now on as part of our service <br /> standards <br /> iv. Participants are coming back slowly to in-person activities <br /> 4. N95 Masks Distribution —800+ persons received masks from the Senior Centers, and <br /> this without advertising. We still have a small quantity of masks available. <br /> 5. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program update <br /> a. The majority of the VITA volunteers are only comfortable doing the virtual <br /> program. A small core of volunteers will now offer pilot Valet Service. To get <br /> started we will not advertise the valet service. Instead, we will reach out to <br /> county residents who have contacted VITA and that do not have access to <br /> technology. <br /> b. Offering two free online virtual VITA options: 1) GetYourRefund.org/Cash4NC (by <br /> Code for America). Individuals upload their documents and Orange County VITA <br /> volunteers prepare their taxes, and 2) MyFreeTaxes (by United Way), a "do it <br /> yourself" option. <br /> c. We have served over 300 with the online options <br /> d. Only IRS certified volunteers can receive and scan the drop-off document. The <br /> actual prep is then done via phone <br /> e. We recognize that that this new drop-off service is needed for our older adults <br /> and low-income individuals <br /> f. Not offering in-person and drop-off VITA services was not our choice. The <br /> volunteers were not willing to do in-person/drop-off due to the pandemic. <br /> New Business <br /> 6. 2022-23 Budget <br />