A group of senior citizens implored Clayton County commissioners to reconsider raising annual membership fees that recently skyrocketed at the county's senior centers.
Yearly membership fees rose from $1 to $12 for Clayton residents and $10 to $180 for nonresidents, effective Jan. 1. Meal prices also went up $1. The fee hike set off an angry response from users of facilities such as the Frank Bailey Senior Center in Riverdale and the J. Charley Griswell Senior Center in Jonesboro.
"The increases are outrageous and shameful," Ali Abdur-Rahman told the commissioners at their meeting Tuesday night. "Shame on the commission."
Many senior citizens are upset over the county's response to their concerns and reiterated those feelings at the meeting. At least a dozen showed up Tuesday night.
Abdur-Rahman, a Fayette resident who uses the Bailey Center because it was closer to his home, said several seniors are on fixed incomes, and the meals provided at the centers are often the only food they eat during the day.
Clayton resident Ida Knight met her best friend, Barbara Sweaney, at the Griswell senior center. Sweaney, who lives in Stockbridge, will have to pay the $180 fee under the new plan.
"Everything's being budgeted on the backs of senior citizens," Knight said.
Many seniors haven't renewed their memberships because of the rate hikes.
Mary Byrd, director of the county's senior services department, has said the fees were necessary because the county has had a reduction in grants. County officials are evaluating the fee hikes, which have caused protests similar to Tuesday night's and threats of lawsuits.
Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell said he will review the requests for change, but any change would require board action.
In neighboring Henry County, membership is free. Fayette County charges $20 for residents and $40 for people who live outside the county.
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