TLRC: senior-services levy generally stable but low reserves and transportation remain concerns

TLRC praises Council on Aging but flags low end-of-cycle reserve and transport needs. At the July 29 Hamilton County commission meeting the Tax Levy Review Committee reported that the senior-services levy is generally well managed, primarily through the Council on Aging (COA), but committee members highlighted a modest projected reserve at the end of the levy period and ongoing transportation and caregiver-support needs. Jenny O’Donnell, chair of the TLRC senior-services review, said COA receives the bulk of levy funds and that home-based services (including in-home assistance and Meals on Wheels) are the largest cost drivers. The committee noted COA’s cost-containment efforts — including operational changes such as centralized laundry pickup for certain services — and said COA has been creative in holding costs while maintaining services. The TLRC reported a projected 2025 carryover balance for the senior-services levy of about $13.8 million (budget basis) and an end-of-levy projection of roughly $3.7 million. Committee members characterized that end-of-cycle projection as “a little bit low” but said COA’s ability to modify nonmandated services gives the levy flexibility. The committee also reviewed other levy-funded programs that target seniors: adult protective services (nine Jobs and Family Services workers investigating elder abuse), Veterans Service Commission assistance (up to $250,000 annually for housing, utilities or transportation for qualifying veterans or spouses) and a caregiver-support program (Closing the Health Gap, receiving about $250,000) focused on outreach and education for family caregivers. The TLRC highlighted that Meals on Wheels provides more than nutrition — noting its role in daily social contact and in some guardianship work — and said federal funding reductions could strain these services. Commissioners asked about transportation partnerships, including possible coordination with SORTA and Medicare Advantage funding, and the committee said COA is exploring alternatives and specialized subcontractors to provide curb-to-door or door-through-door service needs that conventional transit providers may not meet. The committee recommended continued monitoring and requested reserve details for future reports. No formal levy changes were proposed at the meeting.