Town and state leaders are celebrating a $55,000 earmark in the governor’s budget that will be used to hire a full-time Council on Aging director.

Council on Aging programs have suffered starting in 2014 following a round of budget cuts. In March, the council lost Supportive Day Care Center Director Deborah Ramos after she resigned.

Town Administrator Derek Sullivan credited State Representative Susan Williams Gifford for fighting to ensure the money was part of the state’s $39 billion budget.

“We owe a big ‘thank you’ for the efforts by Representative Susan Williams Gifford that ensured these funds came to Wareham during a difficult state budget time,” said Sullivan.

Gifford said it was important to her that funding was put in place for the benefit of the town’s seniors.

“Given the significant revenue shortfalls over the last few months and knowing that there would be cuts, this was a priority for me,” said Gifford.

The money is a one-time grant for fiscal year 2017. It’s unclear at this time if the town will fund the position after that or when the position will be filled.

Attempts to reach Council on Aging Chair Peter Dunlop for comment were unsuccessful.