Commission on Aging seeks renewal of levy

Voters will be asked to consider a renewal levy for the Seneca County Commission on Aging Nov. 7. The levy is a five-year, 0.3-mill levy commencing in 2018 with funding starting in 2019. The Commission on Aging has been able to maintain this levy for the past 17 years, said Bryon Glover, executive director of the commission. The levy allows the commission to continue to receive Federal Title III funding to provide senior services. Each county senior agency is required to provide a non-federal, local match — at a minimum of 15 percent — in addition to funding to provide adequate equipment and facilities to provide the services, Glover said. For every $1 gained through the levy, the commission has found funding sources to raise another $7.50, he said. The levy generates about $248,000 a year and costs the owner of a $100,000 about $7.30 a year. Funds from the levy go mainly for services offered through the commission, such as meal programs and transportation. Glover said the commission's services help to keep seniors at home and able to be active in the community.