Senior millage

A former senior millage task force vice chair defended the task force's work and urged approval of the MSU research study, pushing back on commissioners' earlier criticism.

A social worker who serves homebound seniors said seven of nine task force members were senior-center goers, and her clients — who can't attend centers — were left out of the recommendations.

The Family Service Agency director said service providers were shut out of the task force and that a 30% boost to medical transport would add 400 rides a year — the program currently turns away 120 rides a month.

A Clio senior-service provider described helping a newly blind uninsured client through her millage-funded vision and hearing program, asking commissioners to weigh such cases in their millage votes.

The Argentine Township nonprofit director said 15 years of senior millage funding built a guardianship program now serving as the state's model for guardianship reform, and expressed frustration that service providers got only two minutes before the task force.

A senior caregiver urged the board to protect senior millage-funded in-home care, warning cuts would force frail seniors out of their homes.

Owner of Alternative Elderly Care described serving 101 active clients and invited commissioners to shadow her on client visits.

Described how senior millage dollars served 231 seniors through guardianship services and funded 1,314 medical rides last year, thanking the county for its partnership.