Voters in Delaware County to consider senior levy that will include increase on Nov. 8
Delaware County commissioners on Monday approved putting a renewal of the countywide senior services levy on the Nov. 8 ballot that will cost property owners about 10% more if approved.
The proposed 5-year, 1.3-mill levy includes a 0.1 mill increase. It would cost $35.01 per $100,000 of assessed property value, or $3.50 more than property owners currently pay.
The levy would generate slightly more than $11 million annually, about $959,000 more than it currently does, George Kaitsa, county auditor, said.
The increase is needed due to population growth, especially those 85 years and older, along with increased costs due to inflation, according to county officials.
“We are grateful to the county commissioners for their continued support of the levy,” Fara Waugh, CEO of SourcePoint, which operates a senior center and administers programs and services throughout the county, said in a prepared statement.
“This funding will allow us to sustain the vital aging services we have put in place for the last 30 years and maintain our support of the growing older population in Delaware County.”
Property tax makes up more than 80% of the nonprofit organization’s funding, which supports in-home care services such as Meals on Wheels, personal care, emergency response systems, adult day services and medical transportation.
About 65% of the funds help older adults with insurance counseling, caregiver support, social engagement, health and wellness programs, arts and education and volunteer opportunities.
Funding from the current senior services levy in Delaware County expires at the end of 2023. If voters approve the levy, funding will continue through 2028.
dnarciso@dispatch.com
@DeanNarciso
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Levy for senior services will hike taxes for Delaware County property
