To: Charles Winfrey, Human Services Committee Chairperson
From: Lynn M. Radzilowski, Senior Services Director
title
RE: Approval to increase funding allocated to in-home care, lawn care and snow maintenance, transportation, and home-delivered meals to reduce the waiting lists
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval to increase funding allocated to in-home care, lawn care and snow maintenance, transportation, and home-delivered meals to reduce the waiting list for these services
BACKGROUND:
Last year, this Board approved the creation of a task force to review current allocations and needs in the community around the Senior Services Millage. That group provided recommendations in June. The recommendations included the high priority item of expanding “programs for homebound seniors including programs such as home care, meal delivery, wellness checks, and caregiver support.” Many of the programs currently offered have waiting lists. This resolution requests additional funding, from the millage fund balance, to help reduce waiting lists for eligible seniors, in the program areas listed below.
DISCUSSION:
In-Home Care- 215 On the Waitlist
52 weeks x 3 hrs.= 156 hrs. per client per year x $22 unit of service= $3,432 per year
Increase $200,000 to serve and additional 58 Clients
Home Delivered Meals- 196 On the Waitlist
Average 22 service dates per month x2=44 x 12=528 x $6.25=$3,300 per person/year
Increase $300,000 to serve an additional 90 Clients
Medical Transportation- Average 40 denied rides/month
New contractor- $100/Ride (3-hour units)
Increase $150,000 to provide 1,500 additional rides per year
Lawn and Snow Maintenance- 379 on the waitlist:
$120,000 for start-up of new Crew (56 clients) and $40,000 for Admin Position (this will assist with quicker turnaround on filling closures, which will be reflected in waitlist movement and management).
Increase $120,000 + $40,000= $160,000 to serve an additional 56 Clients
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Funding for this service will be funded from the senior millage fund balance.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
The senior millage programs and services provide a range of supports that directly contribute to seniors' well-being and safety by funding initiatives that promote health, safety, and a high quality of life. The contracts additionally support the provision of free services to seniors that directly impact their financial well-being. By offering no-cost services, we can help alleviate financial burdens on seniors and help them manage their resources more effectively. By continuing partnerships with senior centers and service providers, the programs and services foster an inclusive and collaborative culture. Moreover, the programs and services contribute to community growth by expanding the reach and scope of services available to seniors.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Director of the Department of Senior Services to increase funding to services providers to reduce the waitlist, as outlined in the memorandum request, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request being on file with the official records of the July 15, 2026 meeting of the Human Services Committee of this Board).