Replacement levy on Sandusky ballot to help seniors

Sandusky County will have a new tax levy on the ballot this May. The new levy will replace the old Sandusky County Senior Levy, which was passed by voters in 2015, and would not cause any additional tax increase. If passed, the $1 million replacement levy will improve and continue senior services throughout Sandusky County by generating $1.6 million annually over the next five years. Over the past five years, funding from the existing levy has paid for projects like the relocation of the Fremont Senior Center to a larger and more accessible space. It also expanded the Meals on Wheels program and created the Senior Helping Hands program, which assists seniors with health and safety related home repairs. Sandusky County's senior population is nearing the 30% mark, so funding from the new levy would be used to help hundreds of county seniors each year. The senior levy serves 800 Sandusky County seniors annually, and provides more than 90,000 meals each year. "As our county's senior population continues to expand, it's important that we continue to fund services that meet their needs," said Bob Gross, co-chair of the Citizens for the Senior Levy Campaign. "These programs sustain and improve the quality of life for our county's seniors, as well as our community. Supporting the levy not only benefits seniors, it helps friends and family members know that their loved ones are cared for and have support." The new levy will also provide funding to replace two old meal delivery trucks, support 30,000 miles of senior transportation per year, provide case management and virtual programs for seniors at home, support senior center facility improvements, and more. The levy will be on the May 4, 2021 Sandusky County Special Election ballot. Just like its predecessor, the new levy will cost a homeowner with a $100,000 home about $35 per year.