Berlin COA Proposes Raising Exercise Class Fees
Council on Aging · Meeting of May 28, 2026
Berlin Council on Aging reports van ridership nearly tripled, weighs exercise fee hike. Chair Linda Robinson and members Lori Fearebay, Robert Blair, Kate Bliss and Karen Shultz heard that the senior van logged 158 rides for 21 riders from March through May, up from 62 rides for 13 riders the prior three months. COA Director Melissa proposed raising the suggested donation for exercise classes from $2 to $5, noting the town pays $70 per class but collects as little as $15, calling the increase "reasonable." The department is applying for a new state transportation grant, due June 5, after spending $16,000 of a $23,500 award this year on driver wages, gas and van repairs.
A temporary driver is being hired to cover driver Patty's eight-week medical leave. The board also voted to move its regular meeting to the last Wednesday of the month, with its next meeting set for July 29.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 867 words
Source: the Council on Aging meeting of May 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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