Officials start process to put senior services levy on ballot

Lake County commissioners have started the process to put the senior services renewal levy with an increase on the Nov. 7 general election ballot.

At their June 22 meeting, commissioners approved a request that the county auditor certify the funds for the general election.

This comes one week after the commissioners started the same process with a children services levy. As with that levy, the commissioners will be voting in the

coming weeks to official put the senior citizen services levy on the ballot.

The ballot issue will ask for a renewal of the current .5-mill levy with an additional .3 mills to “help fill the critical gaps that exist due to the growing number of senior citizens” in the county. The current levy is set to expire at the end of the year.

Lake County Senior Services Coordinator Alyea Barajas said that about 25 percent of the county’s current population is 60 or older. By 2030, it’s projected it will jump to 34 percent and would outnumber resident 20 years and younger.

Additionally, the county’s fastest growing subgroup is those 85 and older. That population is projected to increase by 55 percent between 2010 and 2030. This outpaces that of the state, Barajas said.

“The subgroup tends to be more vulnerable and will require additional services,” she said.

As the county’s population ages, disability, chronic disease, elder abuse and neglect, accessible housing, isolation and inadequate nutrition will continue to present challenges.

“We have to make sure we address these challenges and meet the needs of the community,” Barajas said.

The senior services levy currently generates about $2.8 million a year. The additional .3 mills would generate another $1.6 million and cost property

“Many seniors do not have family that can care for them and we must do our part to make sure no one falls through the cracks.” — Commissioner John Hamercheck

owners $10.50 annually per $100,000 valuation, Barajas said. The current .5-mill levy costs $17.26 annually per $100,000 in property valuation, according to the Lake County Auditor’s Office.

Willoughby Mayor David E. Anderson is heading up the levy campaign. Anderson was not present at the June 22 commissioners meeting, but submitted a letter regarding the levy.

“Despite the growth in senior populations, federal funding continues to decline,” he said.

Funds, he said, “are necessary to continue home delivered and congregate meals, home maintenance and modification projects, health and wellness activities and transportation; and to expand adult protective services, adult guardianship and personal care assistance.”

All three commissioners expressed support for the levy, as they did with the children services levy last week.

“Many seniors do not have family that can care for them and we must do our part to make sure no one falls through the cracks,” Commissioner John Hamercheck said.