Dale Palma

At the Everett City Council Budget Hearing on Small Departments on May 20, 2026, Dale Palma, Director of Elder Services/Human Services, presented the Council on Aging/Human Services budget and described a year of expanded programming. He said, “I’m super excited this year,” and outlined plans to “do a bunch of programming” and expand offerings at the Connolly Center.

Palma reported several additions over the past year, including programming for Spanish speakers that meets every Tuesday, “health talks with pizza and presentation,” weekly blood pressure clinics through the health department, therapeutic massage by a licensed masseuse, and a beauty parlor/salon offering haircuts and manicures at discounted rates. He said Portuguese programming had expanded to include English classes following the Portuguese-speaking session, and described the department’s effort to bring different ethnicities and language groups together with translators. “The main focus with older adults is socialization,” he said, emphasizing that the goal is to reduce isolation and support health and well-being.

He also highlighted transportation improvements. Palma said the department purchased a van, thanked the Council for funding last year, and said the administration is helping to hire two part-time drivers with AED/CPR experience. He described a route that would bring residents from buildings such as Whittier Drive, Glendale Towers, 15 Summer, School Street, 66 Main, and St. Teresa’s to the Connolly Senior Center and back. He also said the department continues to contract with SCM for medical rides and senior shopping shuttles, and that SCM has added social-visit transportation for relatives.

Palma noted staffing includes one full-time clerk, one part-time constituent service aide, and two elderly assistants. He said he has one open constituent service aide position and one office manager position that is still out. He said the requested budget increase is for activities and current programming costs, and he described a federal elder services grant as the department’s main funding source.

During the hearing, Palma agreed that local food purchasing should go out to bid and said the department would use three bids and the lowest bidder. He also said local purchases for events help keep money in the city. He described a store operation open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., generating about $200 to $300 a month to offset event costs.

On the salary-line reduction motion, the vote was no on the motion to reduce the salary lines by $10,000.