The Isabella County Commission on Aging is hoping taxpayers will step up to keep their programs running.
There’s a millage on tomorrow’s ballot that needs to pass in order to make that happen.
The Commission on Aging says if the millage doesn’t pass then they’ll have to cut half of their services and staff.
“Where else would all these seniors get together? The guys in the pool room have a ball down there. Quilters come, art people,” said Elaine Currie.
Earl and Elaine Currie are spouses who visit the Isabella County Commission on Aging three days a week — for everything from playing music to Medicaid enrollment.
“We always vote. Every election that comes up, we vote. I would hate to lose the facility and all the activities they do here.”
The millage would be one mill — about 50 dollars a year for someone whose home’s market value is 100,000 dollars.
Homeowners were already paying .88 mills for the last decade.
On the ballot this time, an increase of .12 mills.
It makes up more than half the Commission’s budget.
“If we didn’t have it, we’d have to eliminate a lot of our programs, and it would certainly eliminate a lot of our staff too,” said Commission on Aging Director Brenda Upton.
The Isabella County Commission on Aging has five main programs — activities, meals, foster grandparents, volunteers and in-home services.
“We’re gonna have to be able to serve these individuals and they’re gonna have to be able to be served in their homes because there aren’t facilities that will be able to handle that 76 million baby boomers across the country,” Upton said.
And as the generations age … The demand continues to increase.
“We know that our population is growing and we have to be able to provide services and care to that group of individuals.”
Tune into Michigan This Morning on Wednesday to get complete Election 2016 results.
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