Narrative of Resolution:
INTRODUCED BY THE PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES COMMITTEE
TO ABOLISH THE RSVP ADVISORY COUNCIL AND AUTHORIZE CONVERSION OF EXISTING COUNCIL FUNDS TO SUPPORT THE SULLIVAN VOLUNTEERS FUNDRAISING COMMITTEEend
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WHEREAS, the Sullivan County Office for the Aging (“SCOFA”) previously operated the federally funded Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) under the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) / AmeriCorps Seniors; and
WHEREAS, as part of that federally funded program, SCOFA maintained an RSVP Advisory Council to provide guidance, support fundraising, and ensure community representation in program operations as required by federal RSVP regulations; and
WHEREAS, the nine (9) member RSVP Advisory Council was established by Resolution No. 26 of 1974 adopted on February 11, 1974; and
WHEREAS, with the conclusion of federal RSVP funding on May 7, 2025, and the County’s transition to a locally-administered senior volunteer initiative, the formal federal mandate for the RSVP Advisory Council is no longer in effect; and
WHEREAS, the Advisory Council members have expressed their desire to continue supporting the Sullivan County senior volunteer program through fundraising and community engagement activities in an informal and voluntary capacity; and
WHEREAS, the Advisory Council currently maintains a bank account under the name "RSVP Advisory Council" to manage donations and funds used in support of volunteer activities, which funds were raised privately and are not County assets; and
WHEREAS, in order to reflect the new structure and to maintain continuity of community support, the Advisory Council seeks to rename this account and operate henceforth as the “Sullivan Volunteers Fundraising Committee,” an independent support group aligned with SCOFA’s new volunteer program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sullivan County Legislature hereby formally abolishes the RSVP Advisory Council, effective June 1, 2025; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the group formerly known as the RSVP Advisory Council is hereby authorized to convert the title of its privately held bank account to “Sullivan Volunteers Fundraising Committee”; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that while no longer an official advisory body to the County, the Sullivan Volunteers Fundraising Committee may continue to coordinate with the Sullivan County Office for the Aging in a voluntary, independent, and supportive capacity; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately.