Washtenaw commissioners establish Office on Aging, approve initial senior‑center funding

Washtenaw County commissioners voted late Thursday to create an Office on Aging and adopt a framework for spending proceeds from the county’s recently approved older‑persons millage.

The board approved the new office, authorized creation of a director position, and adopted policies the county will use to distribute millage proceeds. Commissioners also approved a $2 million, initial allocation to qualifying senior centers and set aside a 5% capital reserve of the millage for emergency facility or equipment needs.

The vote concluded months of outreach and public debate about how to spend the millage. Supporters said the changes will get money into senior centers quickly while creating a longer term grant process. Opponents urged clearer operational language and recommended waiting for the new director to be hired so the office could shape disbursement rules.

"We have been so transparent about this," said Commissioner Crystal Somerville, urging colleagues to approve the framework so money can reach seniors who rely on center services. The board’s final motion reflects that balance: an immediate floor for established centers and a planned competitive process for larger service grants.

What the board approved

- Office on Aging. The board created an Office on Aging and authorized a director position to oversee millage spending, program consistency and grant processes. The county administrator will manage those initial…