Everett-area seniors could lose access to county-funded meals, wellness programs and social services if Snohomish County cuts $1.1 million in senior center funding.

Leaders of 13 centers across the county sent a formal lobbying letter to the Snohomish County Council, urging members to shield the money as the county faces a $56 million two-year budget deficit.

The letter arrived as County Executive Dave Somers submitted his proposed 2027-28 biennial budget on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

The Coalition of Senior Centers of Snohomish County, an informal group of center leaders, warned that cutting funding would not eliminate the need.

It would push older adults toward emergency rooms, hospitals and other costlier interventions, the coalition argued.

Each of the 13 centers received an equal $77,532 this year from the county's Human Services department, funding letters show.

That marks the first year centers got equal shares rather than amounts proportional to their membership rolls. The county also directed $393,555 in Chemical Dependency and Mental Health Tax revenue toward senior center wellness programs.

Somers' proposed budget says it maintains senior center funding, according to the Lynnwood Times. That proposal is not final. The Council will debate and vote on the budget, typically by the end of November.

At the Snohomish Senior Center, director Shaunna Ballas said the county's $77,000 helps support lunches, programs and daily operations.

The center has 1,200 paying members and serves about 130 lunches a day. Ballas told the Snoho Tribune the center is "trying to prepare ourselves for whatever may come next … grateful to have a community that is so supportive."

The coalition's letter projects the county's population age 60 and older will reach nearly 250,000 by 2030, up from about 180,000.

Council Chair Megan Dunn, who represents District 2 including Everett, Tulalip and Mukilteo, has publicly backed protecting the funding.

In an Aug. 22 Herald forum piece, Dunn argued that while senior centers are not a mandated county service, the programs they provide are essential for older adults and families.

Council member Sam Low has also said publicly he supports shielding the funding, according to the Snoho Tribune.

County contracts require centers to host specific programs requested by the county in order to qualify for the money.

Residents can weigh in at the Snohomish County Council's Community Budget Forum at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7.