The Senior Services of Midland County renewal millage will be on the Tuesday, August 2 ballot. This millage supports programs such as:
• Adult day services
• Care coordination
• Counseling
• Education
• Handyman services
• Home care
• Meals on wheels
• Transportation
About 30% of Midland County’s population is over 60, having increased by 4,800 people over the last four years. The fastest growing segment is those over age 80, the group often needing more extensive services.
Even with a steady increase in the number of seniors, Senior Services only levies what is truly needed to maintain services. This year’s ballot for a renewal of 0.9 mill will allow Senior Services to continue to cover the cost of services to the growing senior population.
To sign up for absentee voting, call the contact person of the city or township in which you live and they will explain the process to you. If you’re not sure which number to call or would like more information, contact the Midland County Clerk at 989-832-6739 or fill out an absent voter ballot application online at https://bit.ly/3QEhRuZ
Frequently asked questions about the millage
How much is the millage?
This is a five-year renewal millage of 0.9 mill. There is no increase. It is the same amount that has been levied for the past eight years.
What does this cost the average taxpayer?
Based on a home valued at $150,000, the cost per year is $67.50. That is about $5.62 a month or $0.19 a day.
What is the millage used to pay for?
Tax dollars are used solely to support ongoing services to older adults and family caregivers.
Who is eligible for services?
Midland County residents aged 60 and over are eligible. Some services require an assessment of need; others do not. Some educational programs such as caregiver training are open to those under age 60.
What level of service is provided in a year?
For core services including adult day services, care coordination, personal care and transportation, on average, well over 65,320 service hours are provided and nearly 181,000 meals are prepared and provided annually. In 2021 alone, 890 older adults visited Activity and Dining Centers, Care Coordinators helped 1,772 clients arrange services to help them remain safely in their homes, 265 older adults were able to get minor repairs to increase the safety of their homes, and 291 individuals received assistance sorting through their Medicare options.
What is the value of the millage to me if I don’t need services?
Of the many older adults assisted through the millage, 497 are at high risk of nursing home placement. Most people who enter nursing homes quickly wipe out their savings and then need to depend on taxpayer dollars through Medicaid. With the typical yearly cost of nursing home care at $105,850, the cost of their care would be $52.6 million per year, 15.7 times the yearly amount expected to be raised by the millage.
If you have further questions or would like more information pertaining to the senior millage vote on Aug. 2, call the Midland County Clerk at 989-832-6739.
