When was the senior millage passed?
The senior millage was initially approved by Calhoun voters in November 1996 and renewed in 2000 and 2006. The initial levy amount was approved up to .75 mills annually. In August 2010, the Millage levy was again strongly approved for a 10 year period at .7452 mills.
Why was the senior milllage passed?
The senior millage was placed on the ballot by concerned citizens who felt current resources were not supporting this county's seniors appropriately. Before the millage was passed, there were seniors who were unable to get home delivered meals, respite care, or in-home assistance with daily living activities like bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Long wait lists were prominent in Calhoun County for seniors needing these services who were unable to afford them.
Who decides where the money goes?
The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners is responsible for these dollars. To assist them in making these decisions, they have appointed thirteen citizens from Calhoun County who are responsible for recommending funding for programs that best serve the county's seniors. This Committee then monitors the vendors, programs, and their effectiveness in serving the seniors of Calhoun County through the Calhoun County Office of Senior Services whose staff is dedicated to the senior millage.
Are the millage dollars being used in place of other dollars?
No. It is the philosophy of the millage that senior millage is designed to supply funding for the needs of Calhoun County seniors that are not being met by the resources of the individual, the senior's family, volunteers or charitable organizations, or by State or Federal funds. All vendors are under contract to use all other available funds before utilizing millage dollars.
What vendors are involved and what services are provided?
Each year, the County has a competitive Request For Proposal process (RFP) that is open to any vendors who wish to apply for millage dollars for programs serving Calhoun County seniors sixty (60) years of age and older. Click here for a current list of services and providers or call Senior Services at 269-781-0846 or toll free 1 (877) MILLAGE (1-877-645-5243) for a copy of the current brochure which lists all programs, the agencies that provide the programs, and the phone numbers to call.
How are vendors held accountable?
Vendors report monthly to the Office of Senior Services on the number of service units provided along with the geographic locations of the seniors served. The vendors also provide quarterly demographic reports which include the age, income, and ethnicity of the seniors being served in each program. Information is reviewed on a monthly basis by the Office of Senior Services and the Senior Millage Allocation Committee.
Every year, the Office of Senior Services conducts a program and fiscal assessment of the millage vendors. This assessment reviews the costs being charged to the millage and back-up documentation is requested for some of these costs. The actual cost of service is also compared to the reimbursed cost. Vendors are only compensated for actual allowable costs that are specifically related to their millage contracted services. Vendors must provide reasons and corrective action plans for any significant differences in their actual units and costs compared to their budgets. The assessment also samples the clients being served to ensure that only Calhoun County seniors are being provided these services. All assessment findings are reviewed by the Senior Millage Allocation Committee and provided to the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners.
How do I know I am eligible for services?
All programs require seniors to be sixty (60) years of age and older and reside in Calhoun County. Some programs have income eligibility requirements. Other programs require assessments such as case management/in-home services, home delivered meals, and hospice respite care. Guardianship requires a court order. If there is a program you are interested in, you should contact the agency that provides the program. A complete listing of these services can be obtained by calling Senior Services at (269) 781-0846 or toll free at 1-877-645-5243 or by clicking here.
Who do I call if I have more questions or would like additional information?
The Calhoun County Office of Senior Services has staff that specializes in the senior millage. Please contact these professionals at (269) 781-0846 to answer any questions you may have regarding the senior millage and the services it offers.
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