(a) That the needs of the elderly population can be best served and planned for at the local community level;
(b) That a longer life expectancy and a growing elderly population demands services be provided in a coordinated manner and a single local agency system for such services be instituted;
(c) That local resources and volunteer help will augment state funds and needed personnel;
(d) That local flexibility in providing services should be encouraged; and
(e) That a single state agency should regulate and provide leadership to ensure that the elderly citizens of Oregon will receive the necessary care and services at the least cost and in the least confining situation.
(2) The State of Oregon further finds that within budgetary constraints, it is appropriate that savings in nursing home services allocations within a planning and service area be reallocated to alternative care services under Title XIX and Oregon Project Independence in that area. [1981 c.784 §2; 1993 c.116 §3; 2005 c.22 §272]