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Commissioners hear pitch to renew Mahoning County senior services levy; levy described as funding meals, in‑home care
Summary
County staff presented a proposal to renew a five‑year senior services levy that funds in‑home and community services for residents over 60; officials said the levy generates about $4.1 million and funds programs including home‑delivered meals, personal care and minor home modifications.
Mahoning County officials on July 24 presented the case for renewing a five‑year senior services levy that provides in‑home and community supports for residents age 60 and older who are not Medicaid‑eligible.
Why it matters: Supporters said the levy prevents some older residents from entering nursing facilities by funding home‑delivered meals, personal care, chore services and minor home repairs. Renewing the levy would continue funding for those services.
Joe Rossi, the presenter for Direction Home, said the levy has been funded by the county since 2017 (initial approval in 2016, renewal in 2020) and that the proposed renewal would last five years. Rossi said the levy “brings in about 4.1 million” dollars and provides services to residents who otherwise earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but still need help.
Rossi listed outcomes his office tracks: Direction Home has supplied 37 air‑conditioning units to date during recent heat concerns with three more pending; the program has delivered about 800,000 home‑delivered meals and provided more than 300,000 units of personal‑care services such as bathing and dressing assistance. He said the programs include adult day care, emergency response services, care coordination, protective services and guardianship funding.
Commissioners praised the program. One commissioner recalled older Medicaid gap programs no longer available and said Direction Home “plugs those gaps.” A representative of the program added that the levy helps people who “would otherwise be in a nursing home” remain in their homes.
Discussion versus action: The meeting included a presentation and public praise but no vote on the levy itself during this session. Commissioners voiced support and encouraged public awareness of the services prior to any election or renewal process.
What was not specified: The meeting did not set a ballot date, provide a full program budget, or present the levy language. Rossi gave an approximate revenue figure and program statistics but did not provide a line‑item budget at the meeting.
Next steps: Supporters urged residents to learn about the program and to consider voting to renew the levy when it appears on the ballot. Commissioners publicly endorsed the program and urged outreach to potential voters.
