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Elder nutrition millage request to appear on ballot? Board to decide at next work session
Summary
Kevin Store asked the Houghton County Board to place an Elder Nutrition millage on the August 2025 ballot, citing more than 50 elders on a waiting list and expiring contract funds. Commissioners discussed timing and agreed to revisit the request at the next work session rather than vote immediately.
At the April 8 meeting, Kevin Store asked the Houghton County Board of Commissioners to place an Elder Nutrition millage on the August 2025 ballot, saying federal contract funds end in September 2025 and that more than 50 elders are currently on a waiting list for meals.
Commissioners discussed local funding sources and timing. Commissioner Gretchen Janssen expressed support for putting the measure on the ballot soon and reminded the Board that a speaker at the February meeting urged letting voters decide. Chairman Tom Tikkanen said timing is a concern and noted the county also faces questions about jail funding; he observed that the county sheriff was not present to discuss jail impacts. Kevin Store asked when he could expect an answer; commissioners agreed to consider the millage request and make a decision at an upcoming work session.
Support for senior meals also appeared in the meeting's public-comment period, where Dr. Mary Beth Heins and Jamie Kesti spoke in favor of the senior meals program and local food purchases. Speakers urged public education about millage timing and costs before a vote.
The Board did not place the millage on the ballot at the April 8 meeting; members said they would further consider timing and ballot options during the next work session.
