Council on Aging has levy on ballot

CELINA - The Mercer County Council on Aging (MCCoA) has a five-year, 0.7-mill renewal property tax levy on the Nov. 7 general election ballot.

Revenue from the levy funds services to Mercer County residents 60 and older to help them remain as independent as possible in their own homes.

The levy would continue to generate about $710,000 annually. The owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay less than $20 a year.

Director Dawn Daugherty said levy dollars support the MCCoA's four core services: transportation, chores, homemaker services and outreach. They also allow for other activities and opportunities.

The chore service program assists clients with certain household repairs, seasonal cleaning and other chores and errands, according to MCCoA's website. The homemaker program provides routine light housework, laundry, errands and other services for eligible individuals. Outreach workers are knowledgeable about resources and programs available to seniors, per the website.

So far in 2023, MCCoA has arranged for 7,128 trips, completed 425 chores, provided 2,349 hours of homemaker services and connected with clients over 1,115 times.

In addition to the levy, MCCoA receives funds from garage sales, health and civic grants and private donations.