Presque Isle County voters approve senior services millage renewal
Trending
ROGERS CITY – Presque Isle County voters on Tuesday approved the renewal of a senior citizen's service millage that will continue dedicated funding for programs serving residents 60 years old and older through the Presque Isle County Council on Aging.
The millage received 3,774 total votes, with 2,646 for and 1,148 against.
The measure renews a levy of 0.75 mill -- equivalent to 75 cents per $1,000 of taxable value -- for six years, covering the years from 2026 through 2032. Officials estimated the millage would raise approximately $889,971 in its first year based on 2024 taxable values. The proposal was a renewal of a previously authorized millage that expired after the 2025 tax year.
"We are very grateful that the voters of Presque Isle County approved the renewal of the senior millage. It will ensure that we can continue providing much needed services to our senior citizens," Khristine Schleben, director of the Presque Isle County Council on Aging, said.
Revenue from the millage goes to the Presque Isle County Council on Aging (PICCOA) for the planning, coordinating, evaluating, and provision of services to older adults. The nonprofit organization operates senior centers in Posen and Onaway and provides support designed to help seniors remain independent in their homes and communities.
Key services funded in part by the senior millage include nutrition programs, in-home care, transportation, and social engagement. PICCOA provides congregate meals at its centers and home-delivered meals to those who are homebound. In one recent monthly snapshot from 2024, the organization delivered more than 2,700 home-delivered meals to 97 clients and served 618 congregate meals to 63 clients. Federal and state grants cover only a portion of meal costs, making local millage support important to sustaining the programs.
In-home services form another core part of the agency's work. These include homemaker assistance with light housekeeping and meal preparation; personal care, such as help with bathing; dressing and grooming; and respite care that gives family caregivers temporary relief. Senior companion programs and kinship support for grandparents raising grandchildren also fall under PICCOA's offerings. The organization further provides Medicare and Medicaid assistance counseling, health and nutrition education, a medical equipment loan closet, commodity food distribution for income-eligible seniors, and limited pet assistance.
Transportation remains a critical need in the rural county. PICCOA offers rides to medical and dental appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and other essential destinations. While a separate transportation millage has also supported bus operations in past years, the senior services millage contributes to the overall capacity that keeps older adults connected to care and community resources.
The centers in Posen and Onaway serve as hubs for activities that combat isolation. Regular programming has included exercise and crochet classes, bingo, music, cards, and occasional bus trips. Facility hours typically run Monday through Thursday with limited Sunday hours for meals and activities.
A note attached to the ballot language stated that, if approved and levied, a small portion of the tax collected on certain properties within the established downtown development districts in Rogers City and Onaway would be captured by those downtown authorities. The estimated first-year capture was about $3,400.
Josh Jambor can be reached at jjambor@thealpenanews.com.