OSCEOLA COUNTY — Scott Schryer, Osceola County Commission on Aging executive director, discussed the need for an August millage proposal to capture the remaining 0.2 of the 1 mill cap during a county commission meeting on April 5.
Schryer addressed the commissioners, saying the COA has been consistently growing for the past 18 months and he believes it will continue to grow. Currently the organization is serving nearly 700 senior citizens throughout the county and adds more every day. Because of the increase in patrons, Schryer said there needs to be a decision made regarding future funding.
The COA has four years left on its 0.8 millage proposal, which was passed in 1986, but Schryer wants to capture the remaining 0.2 mils for the next four years to begin receiving the full 1 mil the state allows for such agencies.
Schryer told commissioners he sees two options — either ask the voters to accept a slight millage increase, or begin a waiting list for seniors looking to use COA services. He prefers to avoid a waiting list, and believes the millage increase would keep the entity efficient and effective. The funds collected from a millage would go directly into services, Schryer added, not adding staff.
Commission members took no action on the request, stating official ballot language will need to be approved by the Tuesday, April 19, meeting for the millage to be on the August ballot. The action item was tabled until the commissioners' next meeting.
In other business, commissioners:
- approved a motion to close the rear handicap-accessible ramp at The Annex except for public safety personnel or in emergency situations to help control security and prepare the entrance for usable office space; and
- extended the contract with Wexford County for one year, starting June 30, to allow up to 10 inmates to be housed at the Osceola County Jail. Jail Administrator Russ Wayne said the existing contract will not change and the jail has plenty of space for Osceola County inmates.
