By CARL E. FEATHER - Staff Writer - cfeather@starbeacon.com
JEFFERSON — Ashtabula County commissioners on Thursday gave their stamp of approval to placing a renewal of the county’s Senior Services Levy on the November ballot.
The one-mill levy raises about $1.5 million annually for a variety of senior services, including home-delivered meals, elder-abuse protection, chore-housekeeping assistance and transportation. The services are provided throughout the county.
Commissioners heard a sales pitch for the levy during a work session Tuesday and followed up with their unanimous approval of the resolution Thursday. Board President Peggy Carlo called the levy and the services funded by it “very necessary.” Commissioner Daniel Claypool called it “an investment” in a special group of people who deserve the services provided by the levy.
“It goes a long way to help senior citizens stay in their homes,” said Commissioner Joseph Moroski. He said many studies have shown that when seniors stay in their own homes, they live longer, healthier and happier lives than if they go into an institutional setting for care.
The levy was first passed 10 years ago and was renewed by voters in 2005. The renewal will be for five years.
Members of the levy committee pointed out that the senior population of the county is growing and the services provided by the levy help not only seniors, but also their caregivers and children.
