About our Millage

The operating millage provides funding for services that support the safety, dignity, independence, and well-being of Oceana County residents 60 years of age and older. The last operating millage was voted on and approved by public referendum on August 7, 2018, for a 6-year period and expired December 2023.

Millages provide the citizens of the County with the ability to select and specifically fund those services they desire, to meet local needs over and above what is available from Federal, State and Local dollars. In more than 70 of Michigan’s 83 counties, county-wide millage funds for senior services supplement the dwindling Federal and State dollars. The millage brings in vital dollars that help senior citizens stay in their homes. Oceana is just one of those 70+ Michigan counties.

Without operating millage, the Oceana County Council on Aging would be forced to close all programs and services and would cease to exist. The needs of many frail and vulnerable older adults would go unmet, and the burden and stress on families/caregivers would increase.

Tax dollars will be used to support services and programs provided by the Oceana County Council on Aging to seniors and caregivers throughout Oceana County. These services and programs may include: in county bus transportation, out of county transportation for medical appointments, home care services such as community living support, personal and respite care, case coordination and support, emergency response systems, Medicare/Medicaid assistance counseling, adult day care services, various unmet needs, congregate meals, health and wellness programs, durable medical equipment loan closet, tax credit assistance, advocacy, information and referral, recreation, social and educational programs such as computer classes, fitness classes, and health clinics.

This is an 8-year millage of 1 mill. Under the Michigan Law, 1976 Act 39; A governing body of a local unit of government may submit a millage proposition to the electorate to levy up to 1 mill for services to older citizens.

The cost per year for this millage will be 1.00 mill per $1.00 of $1,000.00 worth of taxable property value. A few examples would be as follows:

• If your home has a taxable value of $25,000, the estimated tax per year would be $25.00, or $2.08 per month.
• If your home has a taxable value of $50,000, the estimated tax per year would be $50.00, or $4.17 per month.
• If your home has a taxable value of $75,000 the estimated tax per year would be $75.00 or $6.25 per month.
• If your home has a taxable value of $100,000 the estimated tax per year would be $100.00 or $8.33 per month.
• If your home has a taxable value of $150,000 the estimated tax per year would be $150.00 or $12.50 per month.
• If your home has a taxable value of $200,000 the estimated tax per year would be $200.00 or $16.67 per month.
• If your home has a taxable value of $250,000 the estimated tax per year would be $250.00 or $20.83 per month.

Please remember: This is the current amount being paid in your annual tax bill and your taxes will NOT increase with this millage renewal.

All Oceana County residents 60 and older are eligible for services. Programs such as congregate meals, educational and recreational activities, are open to those under 60 years of age as well but may have an additional cost for participation.

You may not currently need services, but you may have a family member, friend or neighbor who does, or will soon need services to stay at home. Programs for socialization to avoid isolation, loneliness and/or depression are beneficial regardless of age or economic status. As a society, we are living longer, and ensuring services for the future is important, as needs can change quickly.

The Oceana County Council on Aging programs and services are funded by Federal Funds through the Older Americans Act; by State Funds-Region 14 (Senior Resources); Michigan Department of Transportation; grants from the Oceana Community Foundation, Great Lakes People’s Fund, other grant resources, private donations, and fund-raising activities as well as senior client payments for services. The millage offsets the true cost of the services provided.

Please tell your friends, neighbors, and co-workers about the importance of the millage for OCCOA.  Share the message on social media and help raise awareness for this millage. Most importantly, please remember to vote on August 6^th, 2024!