Muscatine County considers cutting trust services program for vulnerable residents

MUSCATINE, Iowa — The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors is considering cutting a community services program that helps vulnerable residents manage their financial resources and daily needs.

Officials say the Community Services Trust Services program, which dates back to 1936, helps more than 200 people who cannot work because of physical or mental limitations.

Former program director Felicia Toppert told the board she believes half of the program’s clients will be homeless by the end of the year if the program is cut.

John Becky was among several residents who said they want to see the program continue.

“We need to reunderstand community, and so, lets give that a try instead of worrying about getting rid of a program that helps this community,” Becky said.

Supervisor Danny Chick said the program was selected for possible budget cuts because the county is not required to provide it.

“Maybe we should’ve never done it. The majority of counties in Iowa don’t do it,” Chick said.

Chick said that if the program were cut, no one in the program would be left without services that are required by law.