Commissioners debate timing of senior-center levy as contract issues remain

The Ross County Board of Commissioners discussed whether to put a proposed senior-citizen levy on the November ballot, with the meeting’s presiding official saying unresolved contract and governance issues at the county-funded senior center made them reluctant to proceed now. The Chair said, "I was just saying that I'm I'm willing to vote no today," noting that the current contract remains active through the end of the year and that a new contract and oversight structure are still being formulated.

A commissioner cautioned that levy funds continue into 2027/2028 and warned that placing a renewal on the ballot now could leave the county without a contract in place for next year. The trustee-association representative told the board, "On behalf of the trustee association, we appreciate ... we will wholeheartedly support, new levy in the fall if things, move forward as I think you guys planned on doing," urging reorganization, new leadership and properly appointed board members before a renewal. Commissioners discussed several options: renewing with the current provider, contracting with a different provider, or restructuring governance so county-appointed board members provide more oversight. No formal vote to place the levy on the ballot was recorded during the meeting.