ELECTION PREVIEW: Tax increase would benefit senior services
Opponent says money should come out of county general fund
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| Joe Scott photo -- Seniors play cards after lunch at the Warren County Senior Center. The center would be eligible to apply for a grant to supply services for seniors if voters approve the Senior Citizens Service Fund on Aug. 5. |
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In Missouri, 41 other counties have passed this tax to benefit seniors. The tax is expected to generate $250,000 per year. Figures provided by the Senior Services Fund Committee indicate that, based on current tax rates, annual taxes on a $500,000 home would increase by $60.
The issue would need a simple majority of votes to pass.The measure would require the Warren County Commission to appoint an unpaid seven-member board to oversee the fund. Any business or agency that provides services to seniors could apply for funding. The board of directors would have to approve that use and bid out that service.
"It runs pretty much the way the county bids work," said Wanda Thomas, who serves on the Senior Services Fund Committee.
Part of the requirements must include financial statements and proof of services provided to seniors, Thomas said. The board of directors would set bylaws and guidelines for soliciting and awarding bids.
Agencies that could benefit include the Warren County Senior Center, the Meals on Wheels program and OATS. But there are several others.
Possible supported services listed by the committee are: home-delivered meals, nutrition centers, transportation, respite care, adult day care, personal care, homemaker service, minor home repair, special needs, medical alert systems, health and wellness education, File for Life program and continuing education.
Any business that provides services to seniors could bid on items, but the board of directors would decide if it wants to support that service.
"Even then, just because they submit the request doesn't mean they'll get the bid," Thomas said.
Applebee's could bid on establishing a nutrition center if it decides to provide a $1.50 meal, she said.
Thomas said that by state statute the money cannot go into the county's general fund and can only be spent on services that improve the health, nutrition or quality of life of Warren County residents 60 and older.
William Reid of Warrenton said he opposes the proposed tax because businesses could be rewarded for business practices. Reid also is a senior.
"A restaurant or any business gives a senior discount because it's a good business practice," he said.
Reid agrees that agencies such as the senior center, Meals on Wheels and OATS need funding, but said it should be done through the county's general budget.
"Most of the concern has been that the money is not going to the elderly," Thomas said. "They believe tax money shouldn't go to businesses. But that's exactly how it works now. The county puts out bids for roads or buildings, and construction and road maintenance companies receive tax dollars to do it."
Reid also questioned the auditing process. He said the semiannual audit confirms only that the county collects the money and distributes it to the senior board. He said that one county's program, in place for eight years, has never been audited.
Thomas said there are other checks and balances besides audits. In the grant process, part of the request for proposal would be providing proof that the services were rendered.
"You have to provide proof that you spent the funds the way you were supposed to," Thomas said. "There's a difference between audits and proof that services are received.
"We're also accountable to the county commissioners," Thomas said. "They don't approve who gets the bid, but they do approve the overall budget."
The commission could refuse to approve the budget if money were being spent frivolously, she said.
Bert Cook of Warrenton said he supports the measure. He and his wife, Margie Cook, regularly go to the Warren County Senior Center for meals and socializing.
"We're hoping it helps finance things like this center right here," Bert said, while relaxing after lunch at the Warren County Senior Center.
Bob Nagel also supports the measure and hopes the senior center benefits.
"I've been sick for the last month now, and I can't do my own cooking," Nagel said.
Thomas said providing grants for senior services would help seniors stay in their homes longer, stay independent longer and stay out of nursing homes longer.
"These are the people who built Warren County," she said. "They deserve this."
