SILVER CITY, N.M. – Monday, June 16th, HMS received notification from the Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging (NMAAA) declining HMS’ request to remain on contract as the provider for the Ena Mitchell Senior Center located in Lordsburg, NM. The NMAAA stated the decision was based on two reasons:

• Shortcomings in HMS' budget management that caused HMS to overspend its budget for the past three years.
• HMS violated its contract by “misrepresenting” the amounts of local funding reported for FY 2025 due to missing county and municipality contribution commitment letters.

HMS responded to NMAAA on Wednesday, June 18th, refuting the assertions, referencing:

• NMAAA’s historical acceptance of HMS’ submitted budgets.
• NMAAA’s annual favorable assessments of HMS operations.
• NMAAA’s acceptance of HMS’ annual required finance audits.

HMS also offered to provide NMAAA any additional documentation needed demonstrating evidence of financial compliance.

HMS understands the NMAAA’s concerns for not submitting county and municipality contribution commitment letters as per the contract. However, HMS often does not receive contribution commitment letters from the counties and municipalities; HMS cannot submit letters that do not exist, despite multiple requests for these letters.

HMS became an additional major contributor to the senior centers to cover the costs of running the senior centers at the highest level of quality and service.

In summary, HMS publicly refutes the accusations made by NMAAA regarding the insinuations of budget mismanagement or contribution misrepresentation. HMS stands ready to assist local agencies through the transition period to ensure service to local seniors is transferred smoothly.