Washtenaw commissioners outline office, senior‑center support and RFP cycle to spend $11.5 million older‑adults millage

Washtenaw County commissioners who drafted an implementation plan for the older‑adults millage told colleagues April 2 they intend to create a county Office of Aging Services, fund senior centers and nutrition programs, and run three‑year competitive funding cycles to distribute the roughly $11.5 million raised annually by the half‑mill approved by voters last November.

The plan, presented by Commissioner Somerville and a co‑sponsor, calls for a director of aging services reporting to the county administrator, an Aging Resources Center to provide a warm handoff for older adults and caregivers, and a contracted needs assessment on a three‑year cycle to drive requests for proposals. Commissioners said they expect a mix of county‑delivered services and grants to community providers, with auditing and outcome reporting required of contractors.

Why it matters: The millage revenue is designated by voters for older‑adult services and will be collected beginning this tax year. Commissioners said they want a visible county office to coordinate programs and to make it easier for residents and elected officials to track how the funds are used.

Somerville framed core priorities as: a county‑run intake and resource hub; guaranteed foundational support for qualified senior centers; no‑wait home‑delivered meals (or funding to fill current gaps and future demand); door‑to‑door transportation focused on clinical and government appointments; a needs‑assessment and three‑year RFP cycle that funds multi‑year contracts; and a housing strategy including a proposed older‑adult…