This page is designed to bring you information on senior services in Lake County and provide information on the Lake County Senior Levy.
If you would like additional information or have questions, please contact Alyea Barajas, Senior Services Coordinator, at (440) 350-2748 or alyea.barajas@lakecountyohio.gov. Like us on Facebook!
Lake County's Senior Levy was first approved by voters in November, 1992. In November 2017, voters approved a levy renewal and increase resulting in a total levy collection of 0.8 mills for five years. Levy funding is reserved for providing or maintaining senior citizen services or facilities and is authorized by sections 307.694, 307.85 and 5705.19 of the Ohio Revised Code.
In 2012, the Lake County Board of Commissioners established the Lake County Senior Citizens Advisory Panel. The purpose of the Panel is to serve as an advisory and recommending body to the Commissioners and to facilitate equitable and beneficial allocation and distribution of the levy funds. Historically, levy funds have been distributed to 12 providers including: the Lake County Council on Aging, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Wickliffe Senior Center, Willowick Senior Center, Eastlake Senior Center, Willoughby Senior Center, Mentor Senior Center, Kirtland Senior Center, Painesville Senior Center, Fairport Senior Center, Perry Senior Center, and Madison Senior Center. In October 2014, the Lake County Senior Citizens Advisory Panel recommended initiation of a senior study in an effort to get a better handle on the seniors in Lake County and the gaps in senior services, as well as create a blueprint for the future. In October 2015, the study, titled Lake County, Ohio Senior Citizens: Today, Tomorrow and in the Future was completed, the results of which can be found here:
Lake County, Ohio Senior Citizens: Today, Tomorrow and in the Future - Full Report Lake County, Ohio Senior Citizens: Today, Tomorrow and in the Future - Appendices Lake County, Ohio Senior Citizens: Today, Tomorrow and in the Future - Operational Plan
The Senior Citizens Advisory Panel consists of five members appointed by the Board of Lake County Commissioners. The Panel serves as an advisory and recommending panel to the Lake County Board of Commissioners to facilitate equitable and beneficial allocation and distribution of the funds derived annually from the Lake County Senior Citizens Services Levy.
Frank Doberdruk - Chair
February 13
Thomas Dreher - Vice Chair
May 1
Ellen E. Cantor
August 14
Kenneth G. Gauntner
October 16
Spence Kline
-All meetings begin at 2:00 p.m.-