Washtenaw commissioners shape senior millage framework, agree on base funding approach and next steps

At a May 21 Washtenaw County working session, commissioners spent more than two hours discussing a draft framework to implement the county's recently approved older adults millage. The board did not take a final vote; instead members reviewed a proposed list of "qualified senior centers," signaled support for a base funding approach, and directed staff to refine an RFP- and equity-based implementation plan and return it for formal consideration.

Commissioner Annie Summerville, who led the presentation and drafting work, told colleagues the goal is to move money quickly to support basic operations at established centers while reserving programmatic funds for competitive awards aligned with needs-assessment results and equity priorities. "At the very least" the proposed baseline, she said, would help a center hire a director and a second staff member so the facility does not close when a single employee is absent.

The draft framework presented to the board proposes two funding tracks: a baseline operational allotment for "qualified senior centers" (an annual allocation of at least $200,000 per center was proposed during the discussion) and a programmatic RFP process for additional services such as nutrition, transportation, housing-related supports, minor home repair, legal assistance and congregate or medically tailored meals. Commissioners and community members debated which local organizations should be designated as qualified senior centers eligible for the baseline allotment, and whether some sites should instead pursue program grants through the competitive RFP process.

Why this matters: Washtenaw voters approved a 0.5-mill older adults millage in November 2024. The board must now translate the ballot language into an administrative structure…