One in four Cass County residents is over the age of 60. That puts a huge load on the Cass County Council on Aging, whose programming includes Meals on Wheels, in-home care, medical transportation, Adult Day Services for individuals with dementia, and a wide range of social, educational and fitness programs. As a result, the Cass County community is being offered the opportunity to vote on a Millage Proposition for Services to Older Citizens in support of the Council on Aging.
On August 2nd, residents will be asked to restore the organization to a one-mill levy, representing a very small increase over current levels. Essentially, the Cass County Council on Aging's income from the millage has increased very little over the past six years. In the face of significant increases in that same time frame for food, transportation, and many other items, the agency's program expenses have been impacted.
The millage accounts for nearly 65-percent of the Council on Aging's operating budget, funding the services that meet critical needs for older adults in the community. The organization has maintained a commitment to keep programs and services affordable for area seniors, however as costs continue to rise, it will become increasingly difficult for them to maintain programs and services at the same low cost without a slightly increased millage rate.
To help cover these increased expenses, the question on the ballot will seek to restore the agency to a one mill levy, which is a very small increase over the current level. While significant to the COA’s operating budget, this increase would have minimal effect on homeowners. By way of example, if a home has an assessed value of $50,000, the increase would cost the homeowner approximately 40 cents per month, or less than $5 per year. This small cost for individuals will allow them to continue their work through affordable programs and services for older adults throughout Cass County.
The Cass County COA is a community organization dedicated to enhancing life through programs and services for adults in all life stages. For more information, visit www.casscoa.org.
