Members of the Senior Levy Advisory Board (SLAB) have urged the Knox County Commission to encourage senior programs in the county to seek additional funding sources. The SLAB members presented their recommendations during the commission's meeting on March 6.
According to a YouTube video of the meeting, Julie Miller from SLAB said that a common theme among agencies funded by the Senior Levy is providing feeding or nutrition services, whether through hot meals, food pantries, or other social meal programs.
The video also reveals that Station Break typically requests the most funding. For 2025, Station Break requested $606,000; however, SLAB recommended $559,000. Miller explained that they asked for two significant capital projects but were advised by previous commissioners to prioritize programming and serving seniors over capital projects. As a result, these projects were not recommended. Station Break sought funds for a truck and a patio extension for outdoor activities for seniors.
"It's not that we didn't think they were great ideas, or that they don't need a truck," Miller said. She added that due to tightening budgets each year, it was deemed best to reduce the amount requested. "The other thing is that they also, many of them, are trying to cover all their salaries with the levy money," she noted.
Miller further mentioned during the meeting that SLAB advised every agency reviewed to explore other funding opportunities such as state or federal grants. She highlighted concerns about federal funding availability and acknowledged budgetary constraints faced by seniors. While some agencies have asked for small donations from seniors for meals, many have not applied for local funds.
Station Break and other agencies have improved in showing unduplicated numbers served. According to Miller, Station Break serves Mount Vernon—the county seat with a large population—but there is concern about its funding being limited to Mount Vernon residents instead of reaching out to others in need across the county.
Sanctuary Community Action in Danville received full funding as recommended because they accurately request needed funds and track usage effectively. They have been encouraged to bring back more volunteers after stopping this practice during COVID-19 restrictions. Center of Hope requested approximately $200,000; although praised for their work, they operate only one and a half days per week with much of their funding allocated towards salaries.
