The 2012 budget for the Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging has a shortfall of $320,000.
TRAVERSE CITY -- Grand Traverse County Commissioners will soon be voting on a proposal that would increase fees for senior citizen services.
The 2012 budget for the Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging has a shortfall of $320,000. Decreasing property values are being blamed for the budget concerns. Major cutbacks were made at the organization, but it's not enough to help balance the budget.
The agency says it needs to bring in more money by increasing fees, to continue with the services it provides to the growing senior population in the area.
The Commission on Aging met Tuesday morning to go over the final plan that will be presented to the commissioners Thursday night.
According to a recent survey, 69-percent of seniors said they would rather pay more than have programs eliminated. The Commission on Aging is proposing fees start at $4 per visit rather than the current $1.15 per visit.
The Emergency Response Wristband Program would also increase from $1.15 per month to $15 per month.
The Grand Traverse County Commission will hear the plan for the fee increase Thursday at 7pm. The meeting will take place at the Governmental Center.
