The McHenry County Public Health and Community Services Committee voted Oct. 2 to approve the senior services grant funding allocation process for the upcoming cycle, with a total funding cap discussed at roughly $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.

Committee members and staff described the funding source as property-tax revenue established by a 2003 referendum; staff said the referral designates a 0.025% allocation tied to the program and noted a cap discussed in the meeting (speakers referenced $2,000,000 and at one point $2,005,000). The committee was told that this year’s applications exceeded available funds by “over $600,000.”

Staff outlined the review and award process: agencies submit proposals, present in interviews and are scored against a rubric; awarded agencies submit quarterly spending reports and are reimbursed quarterly. Staff said they will monitor at least five awardees per year and track service counts, duplications and spending. Administrative costs for managing the grant are allocated in the county general fund and are included in staff salary allotments; staff said administration time is apportioned across grants when budgeting.

During discussion members pressed for transparency about dollar amounts and monitoring. Staff said detailed fiscal data for fiscal year 2024 could be provided on request. The committee approved the motion to fund and move the allocation as presented; a roll-call vote recorded members in favor.

Committee members also noted that, because the program pays through tax-levy dollars created by referendum, monitoring and transparency are priorities for the committee and the public.