Washtenaw commissioners weigh housing senior millage within OCED vs. stand‑alone aging office

Washtenaw County commissioners, staff and nonprofit providers debated how to administer a newly approved older‑adult millage, with OCED officials proposing a senior services division inside their existing department and several commissioners and community members pressing for clarity on staffing, sustainability and how much money should be passed directly to community providers.

The county—s Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) presented a plan to create an aging services division within OCED, arguing it would reduce overhead and move funds into the community faster than building a new department from the ground up. OCED said it already operates related programs including senior nutrition, housing rehabilitation and weatherization and could add a division administrator and targeted staff to run senior millage programs.

Why it matters: Commissioners and nonprofit leaders said seniors face urgent needs for nutrition, minor home repairs, and recovery supports; they want funding to reach community providers quickly while also ensuring long‑term program stability and public accountability.

OCED—s case OCED staff described operational and…