Board of Commissioners Unanimously Advance a Senior Millage Ballot Proposal to Second Reading

On June 5th, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to move a Senior Millage ballot proposal to a second reading that will be on July 10th. Washtenaw County is only one of 9 counties in the state that do not have a Senior Services Millage to support the older adults in their county. The population of older adults across the state, and the country, are continuing to grow and that is no different in Washtenaw County. Washtenaw County's older adult population makes up 21% of the total population and is expected to grow by close to 20,000 individuals by 2045. A Senior Services Millage is key to supporting the current population of older adults and to prepare for the increase in years to come.

This tax proposal would place an eight-year, 0.50 mill new tax on the November ballot to address unmet needs and gaps in service in Washtenaw County. If approved, this ballot initiative would raise $11.6 million in its first year, which is equivalent to about $.50 for every $1,000 of taxable value.

The second reading scheduled for July 10th at 7pm will decide if the Senior Millage ballot initiative will be placed on the November ballot. Contact your County Commissioners to let them know you support this initiative and submit public comment to share your stories and show approval for the initiative.

Board of Commissioners to Vote on Senior Millage on August 5th

We are pleased to report that significant progress is being made to achieve our goal of securing a senior millage for Washtenaw County. A significant development was that Commissioners LeBarre and Scott approached the coalition to join with them to support a combined millage that would include senior services and public health. The Say Yes to Seniors Coalition agreed to this plan, which would levy a half mil tax with a quarter mil (about $4.5 million) each allocated to public health and senior services.

The Ways and Means Committee voted in favor of moving the November ballot proposal for a combined 0.5 mill senior services and public health millage to the full Board of Commissioners for action at their August meeting. The full Board of Commissioners is expected to take action to approve or reject the proposal at their August 5th meeting. The combined 0.5 mil senior services and public health millage would provide 0.25 mil to senior services and 0.25 mil to public health.

Take Action Now-- Washtenaw County residents are encouraged to contact their commissioner to voice their support for a countywide senior millage before August 5th.

Click here to find your commissioner: https://www.washtenaw.org/217/Commissioners

Washtenaw Board of Commissioners Creates Commission on Aging

The Say Yes to Seniors Committee applauds the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for their action to create a dedicated Commission on Aging in Washtenaw County.

The full Board of Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of creating of a Commission on Aging to serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Commissioners on aging issues, and if and when there is a senior millage, to review proposals and provide recommendations for the use of millage funds to support services. This Commission on Aging will be created effective January 1, 2021.

For more detail about the Commission's action, please see the Board of Commission Press Release copied below. The press release is also available at https://www.washtenaw.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1047

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners Creates a Commission on Aging

At their July 1st meeting, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution creating a new Commission on Aging. The resolution, sponsored by District 1 commissioner Jason Maciejewski, establishes an 11-member commission made up of community members and gerontology professionals to advise the Board on issues related to Washtenaw County’s rapidly growing senior population. Nearly 18% of Washtenaw County residents are over the age of 60.

“The lifestyles and expectations of older adults today are different than they were even a decade ago. It is important the county understands the expectations of older adults so we can consider the impact of our operations and services as we make policy and approve budgets, says Maciejewski, “’Creation of a Commission on Aging is an important step forward in identifying the needs of adults age 60 and older in Washtenaw County.”

The establishment of the commission comes after advocacy group “Say Yes to Seniors” presented information at the June Working Session meeting demonstrating a need for an advisory group to ensure that the needs of seniors are considered in the Board’s policy and budget decisions. The commission will be made up of one appointee from each of the county’s nine (9) districts plus one (1) “at-large” member and one (1) county commissioner. Each will serve two-year terms. The group will tackle issues of housing, meal delivery, mental health, social isolation, dementia care and elder abuse among others.

Wendy Smith, executive director of the Dexter Senior Center believes that this is a step in the right direction saying,

“I commend the Washtenaw Board of Commissioners for their commitment to the creation of a Commission on Aging. This is a vital first step in addressing unmet needs, expanding current programs and services, and developing new programs that address emerging needs of our rapidly growing senior population.”

Jim McGuire, Director of Research, Policy and Advocacy for the Area Agency on Aging 1-B and member of “Say Yes to Seniors” adds,

“The formation of a citizen’s Commission on Aging brings Washtenaw County in line with most other counties that recognize that the rapid aging of the population is one of the most significant challenges we are facing. The senior population is growing by approximately 2,500 more people every year, and there are now more seniors than children under age 18. The new Commission will help assure that senior needs and concerns are factored into county decision-making.”

Bill O-Reilly is the executive director of the Chelsea Senior Center and says,

“It was very gratifying to hear that the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners just approved the Commission on Aging. This is the result of a true team effort to turn this important goal into a reality. Washtenaw County has been blessed with a history of dedicated individuals and organizations working to provide as best as possible for our many senior residents. However, a commission to provide cohesion and a more unified approach is sorely needed and now places Washtenaw County with the majority of the other counties in the state with similar commissions. With our county’s already large number of seniors projected to grow faster than any other segment of the population in the coming years, the creation of this commission ensures that together we will enhance the lives of our vital seniors for decades to come.

Board Chair Jason Morgan praised Commissioners Maciejewski’s leadership in the county establishing the Commission on Aging, saying

“Commissioner Maciejewski has been a passionate advocate for our aging residents and he really took the lead on lifting the voices of our aging residents in Washtenaw County. Establishment of the Commission on Aging wouldn’t have been possible without Commissioner Maciejewski leadership.”