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Clay County Senior Services outlines programs, usage and funding as aging population grows
Summary
The Clay County Senior Services board told commissioners it funds transportation, emergency response devices, in-home care, home repairs and wellness programs and highlighted rising local demand as the county's over-60 population climbs. Board leaders described budgets, partnerships and outreach.
Bob Steincamp, chairman of the Clay County Senior Services Board, told the Clay County Commission that the board was created by Missouri statute in 2003 and is funded by a 5¢ per $100 assessed-valuation levy that voters approved in that measure. "This Clay County Senior Services Board is a creature of Missouri statute, created in 2003," Steincamp said, describing the board's statutory origin and levy.
Steincamp said the county had about 260,000 residents in 2024 and that people over age 60 made up roughly 21.5% of the population, a share he said is projected to rise to more than 25% by 2030. He described the board's funding priorities as transportation, personal emergency response devices, in‑home services, care coordination, minor home repair and safety modifications, adult day health and nutrition programs including meals-on-wheels.
"To give you an example, in 2025 there were almost 600 riders booking over almost 7,200 trips through the services that we provide," Steincamp said, and he told commissioners the board supports nearly 750 personal emergency devices countywide and has sponsored roughly 360 home modifications or repairs for about 160 homeowners.
Steincamp emphasized that the board uses partnerships to deliver services rather than acting as a direct provider. He named local partners that receive funding or support, including Rebuilding Together Kansas City, Northland Neighborhood Services, Northland Shepherd Center and Thrive Homes, and said the board helps support senior centers in Liberty, Smithville, Excelsior Springs and Kearney.
Commissioners asked about staffing and finances. Senior Services staff clarified the board is volunteer-run and employs four paid staff. On revenue, staff said the levy and other sources yield roughly $2.8 million in recurring revenue and that the 2026 budget totals $3.1 million, with about $200,000 coming from reserves if fully spent. "We keep our reserves for those rainy days," a staff member said, explaining the board's conservative approach to spending.
Commissioners praised the presentation and the partnerships that extend programming and outreach. The acting county administrator noted the commission had received the board's 2025 annual report and that copies were available. Senior Services staff provided contact information for residents seeking services: phone 455-4800 and website claycoasteniors.org.
The commission did not take formal action on the presentation; the board said it will continue to coordinate with municipalities and statewide planning efforts such as the Missouri Master Plan on Aging to identify gaps and priorities.
