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By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
When Mason County voters go to the polls for the primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 6, they will be asked to vote on a millage renewal to support senior citizens. The rate, not to exceed .2979 mill, will generate about $739,783 annually for six years.
A mill is calculated as $0.2979 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation on property.
A group, calling itself Friends of Seniors, has formed to show its support for the millage proposal. The group’s honorary chairs are Kay and Bob Neal, former owners of House of Flavors.
“Kay and I strongly support the senior centers and services funded by this modest proposal,” Bob Neal said. “Continuation of this funding is vital to help seniors stay in their homes as long as possible, and to have centers for activities and friendships conveniently located throughout the county.”
““The value of the programs and the senior centers is evident from the strong support from county residents each time this funding proposal has been on the ballot,” said Kay Neal. “Well over 70 percent voter support in both the 2018 and 2012 elections testifies to the enduring value of our senior services.”
Voter-approved county funding, plus funding from the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, supports in-home programs as homemaker services, respite care for caregivers of seniors, medical transportation to appointments up to 100 miles away, as well as Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and other support groups.
Each of the four senior centers located in Mason County are independent from the county, but do receive some support through the senior millage. The Ludington Area Senior Center is operated by the City of Ludington. The Scottville Area Senior Center is operated by Mason County Central Schools. The Tallman Senior Center and Free Soil Senior Center are each operated by independent non-profit entities. Additionally, the senior meals deliver program (Meals on Wheels) is operated by Mason County Central Schools. Each of those entities receive funds from the county paid through the county’s senior millage.
Other members of the Friends of Seniors Committee are Mary Ann Nielsen, Steve Begnoche, Cindy Christiansen, Al Deering, Drew Dostal, Dena Dostal, Susan Evans, Ellen Kerans, Mellissa Kissell, Gene Kyle, Tom Posma, Nancy Sanford, Angela Taylor, Jim Thomas, and Elane Vandenbergh.
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