To meet the low level of need for senior support in Kendall County in the past (1998) the County put a Senior Tax Referendum Levy question on the ballot and it passed.
In the early years, there were only 5 to 7 senior assistance and services organizations in the entire County and their collective need for funding ranged annually around $200,000. The number of applicants for funding (now 10 or 11) and the need for help has increased in recent years and for the period July 2010 to June 2011 the amount awarded was approximately $330,000, although the amount requested was higher. (2) The corporate Board of OSI is comprised of 13 members, 5 of which are from the governmental entities that provide the bulk of the existing funding to OSI for the Oswego Senior Center.
THEREFORE: Oswego Township will be asking Kendall County voting officials to put the question of a Senior Tax Assistance Referendum of the April 5th ballot for Oswego Township residents. State Law mandates the tax rate requested for this purpose (0.15%) but when the Township actually levies for the money it believes it needs (assuming the referendum passes) it will be asking for only 0.02% (less than $20 per household).
I regret that this is so complex and hope this helps everyone better understand the issue. I’ll have more information next week regarding senior needs and opportunities available at the Oswego Senior Center.
Bob Wyngard, Executive Director, Oswegoland Seniors Inc.
Judy Siedlecki
11:57 am on Tuesday, February 22, 2011
I’m voting YES for the Senior Referendum on April 5th or during early voting starting March 14th The Oswego Senior Center is not just twice weekly meals. It provides life enhancing activities, programs, and educational opportunities to Seniors who appreciate and need the Center for community and friendships – a lifeline.
Seniors aren’t expecting a free meal through your tax dollars. The meal program is set up for a suggested donation of $4, but is still available for those who can’t pay. This allows all Seniors to participate giving them something to look forward to. If they can’t pay with money, they pay through other contributions and volunteer hours to keep the Center going.
Grants or assistance will not always be available. Seniors volunteer to work fundraisers year round to do their part: Garage Sale in the Gym (July), Live Auctions, Senior Garden (grown & cared for on-site) Vegetable sales, Craft sales, Food & Bake Sales at community events such as PrairieFest Parade, Drag Strip Days, Art Fair, and its own annual Car Show (September).
A no vote could mean losing the Oswego Senior Center all together. For approximately $1.00 a month, you can help make the difference whether the Senior Center continues or not.
A YES vote for the Senior Referendum will also benefit other senior services in Oswego Township only - not all of Kendall County.
Please vote Yes on the Tax Referendum for Seniors. Help keep our Seniors off the streets!