DeKalb County seeks bids for use of tax funds for local senior service providers

DeKalb County is looking for bids from local senior service providers who’d like to get additional funding as part of the 2023 Senior Tax Levy, according to a recent news release.

DeKalb County voters approved a 0.025% tax levy by referendum in 1997. As a result, the DeKalb County government expects to collect and distribute about $433,400 generated by the levy to local organizations that provide services to seniors.

The DeKalb County Board has restricted the use of the funds to the prevention of the premature institutionalization of seniors. Keeping seniors out of expensive nursing homes and hospitals results in an aggregate cost savings for the taxpayers.

Fiscal 2022 funds were awarded for services provided by 10 local agencies: Barb City Manor, DeKalb County Community Gardens, Elder Care Services, Family Service Agency, Fox Valley Older Adult Services, Hope Haven, Kishwaukee Family YMCA, Opportunity House, Prairie State Legal Services, and Voluntary Action Center.

The county is again soliciting bids from providers of services to DeKalb County Seniors that will prevent premature institutionalization. The Request for Bids Application is available online and can be obtained through the DeKalb County website under the “Invitation to Bid” section, dekalbcounty.org/government/invitation-to-bid/

Request for bids are due no later than 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28.

For information, contact Deanna Cada, executive director of the DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board, at 815-899-4960 or dcada@dekalbcounty.org.