New management to tackle problems at Mercer aging agency

PRINCETON, W.Va. — The Mercer County Commission on Aging is under new leadership after state officials uncovered mismanagement and program disparities.

Bureau of Senior Services Commissioner Sandra Vanin said the county agency borrowed too much money to pay operational expenses, is behind on its mortgage and mishandled state and federal grants at the expense of providing services to seniors.

About two-thirds of the agency’s $913,734 in expenses went toward salaries, though none of the 10 officers and board members are paid, according to the agency’s 2005 tax records.

At least four of the nine board members had resigned as of Wednesday.

Bill Lytton, a retired deputy commissioner for the bureau, was named this week as interim director of the agency, which provides personal care, transportation and meals to the county’s elderly.

Vanin said the investigation was prompted by complaints.