Local Senior Services Levies on November Election Ballots

In this time of limited federal and state funding and a growing senior population, local senior levies play a crucial role in providing supportive services to seniors. Our region has four county-wide senior levies and three are on the ballot this November 6. The Area Agency on Aging endorses senior levies in Champaign, Clark, and Greene counties, and urges voters to support funding of these vital senior services.

Champaign County
The Urbana-Champaign County Senior Center seeks a levy renewal of $0.4 mil. The levy will continue to provide necessary outreach programs and services that benefit Champaign County citizens age 55 and older. These include a free nutritional Tuesday lunch to any senior age 55+ in the county, homemaking services, OSHIIP-certified staff to assist seniors with Medicare, AARP tax assistance starting in February, reassurance calls, home check-ins, and a food pantry for seniors in need. The levy would cost the average homeowner of a $100,000 property $11.88/year.

Clark County
United Senior Services in Clark County is seeking approval of a new levy to help meet growing demand for services that help seniors to safely and successfully stay in their own homes. If the levy passes, it will cost the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $49/year, and take effect on January 1, 2019. The existing levy will expire at the end of 2019 and not be renewed. United Senior Services has not received an increase in federal funding since 2006. Approval of the $1.4 mil levy in November will help to ensure that vital in-homes services continue to meet the needs of this growing population.

Greene County
On the Greene County ballot is a $1.4 mil senior services levy renewal that will allow the Greene County Council on Aging to continue its support of seniors and caregivers through their Partners in Care program, caregiver support, guidance regarding Medicare and other insurance, community education, and grants to area senior centers. The cost to homeowners for this 5-year levy is $42.98/year for a $100,000 property.

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