Mahoning Commissioners Approve Senior Levy
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Mahoning County Commissioners unanimously approved putting a senior services levy on the March ballot during their meeting Thursday.
The 1-mil, 5-year property tax wouldl cost the owner of a $100,000 home roughly $36 per year, and bring in nearly $4.1 million, according to the Area Agency on Aging 11 Inc., which will administer the funds.
The Ohio Development Services Agency estimates that nearly 65,000 people ages 60 and over live in Mahoning County, or nearly 27% of the county’s population. Funds generated by the levy will help older adults to remain safely in their homes as an alternative to nursing home care, said Joseph Rossi, CEO of the Area Agency on Aging 11.
“We know, and our service providers know that every day people here are on a waiting list for things we take for granted – like home-delivered meals, laundry and minor home modifications.” he said. “Today, 310 people are waiting for personal care, which means bathing, toileting and dressing.”
Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti explained that the levy is a way for citizens to give dignity and show respect for people in their later years. “It will allow us to take care of our own. And if we’re not able to do this, what does that say about us?” he asked.
“This levy helps all of us throughout the county so that people don’t fall through the cracks,” Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Reghetti said.
State Sen. Joe Schiavoni, D-33 Boardman, noted that Mahoning is the largest county in the state without a senior levy. “I am 100% confident in this and it will be a worthwhile investment done by people who have a heart to help,” he said.
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