03/24/2026
You may not know that the Lometa Senior Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The entire operation is run on the generosity of our special donors plus a suggested $3 donation per meal when eating at the center or receiving delivered meals for the homebound.
Sadly, we have lost two of our faithful contributors. Buck Hawes' Annual Purple Tack Trail Ride always added thousands of $ to our operating fund and Mr. Ben Leggit was a monthly donor, not only in $ but in purchasing all necessary supplies at Sam's Club every time he went shopping. Both of these dear gentlemen have moved to other communities. Not surprisingly new donors have come forward, the Lometa Baptist Church, the County of Lampasas, Lometa's Shared Blessings and the Salvation Army of Lampasas have stepped in to lighten the $ burden (please forgive any omissions in this list).
And now we will get to the point. About 18 months ago the City of Lometa asked the Center to lighten their budget shortfall by paying the utility bills, purchasing liability insurance and taking care of any repairs inside the building currently used by the Seniors. The mayor and city council promised they would reconsider after 3 months. Then it became 6 months, and now it has been nearly 18 months. Additionally, they have never repaired the shattered window which was promised approximately two years ago. Broken by a flying rock while a city employee mowed the grass around the gazebo. Previously in the city budget $1000 per year was allocated for maintenance of the building, the utility bills were covered by city funds as well.
After reading that the council agreed to purchase $50,000.00 worth of lawn equipment it would seem logical that they could pick up a $300/month utility bill and replace the window. With these added expenses coming out of our meager checking account over the past 18 months, the Lometa Senior center is now placed in the position to draw on the savings account which has been reserved for any urgent need that may occur, such as replacing appliances or repairing HVAC, electric or plumbing. It seems that it is time for this City Council to take responsibility for its Senior Citizens again and quit patting themselves on the back for "saving" the city so much $. We who use the center have been hard working most of our lives, contributing to this community for years and undoubtedly deserve a little consideration.
