Senior Citizens in Grand Traverse County will soon be paying more if they turn to the Commission on Aging for help. The organization is facing a $320,000 budget shortfall, mainly due to a decrease in lost revenue due to declining property values.

To make up for the shortfall, the commission had two options. The first was to cut back on services, and the second was to change what they charge to provide the current services. After debate, and surveying those who use the services, the commission decided to raise their rates.

At a meeting Thursday night, the Grand Traverse County Board approved the fee increase, but requested that the commission find a way to ease into it. Under the current proposal, fees for home visits would increase by 4 times the current amount starting next year.