Letter to the Editor: Senior Center Seeking Your Financial Support

During the recent election period, one of the issues debated and settled was an OswegoTownship Senior Tax Levy Referendum. More than 60 percent of the voters felt that declines in the economy and employment picture clearly dictated that no additional taxes should be levied and the referendum failed. Without question, the voters spoke clearly.

However, one theme that did recur frequently during the election debates and post-mortem conversations was that voters weren’t voicing disapproval of seniors or the Oswego Senior Center (OSC).  Rather, voters were just not going to allow any more taxes in these tough times. Several candidates and citizens in letters to the editor suggested that there should be a “voluntary contribution campaign” throughout the Township population encouraging citizens to show their support for seniors with fully deductible contributions. So, let’s look at some numbers.

The County Senior Tax Levy contributes $39,000 to the OSC. The Village provides $35,000 per year to OSC. On the basis of population, therefore, each resident of the County contributes roughly 36 cents per year toward the OSC and each resident of the Village contributes roughly $1.05 per year. Oswego Township provides $3,000 per year and, therefore, each resident contributes roughly 6 cents per year.  In the case of residents of all three: County, Township, and Village; they are paying all amounts, or, $1.47, per year, per person. 

Here’s my proposition. If every household (not individual) of Oswego Township (where the recent referendum was conducted) would voluntarily contribute one-half of what the referendum tax rate would have been (was $14.48 – NOW $7.24), OSC would receive roughly $100,000 in additional operating revenue. The voluntary contribution is fully tax deductible. There are no separate administrative fees. OSC will not increase staff, salaries, or benefits for any paid staff or volunteers nor will we expand programs with funds raised in this manner. We will be taking care of existing business.

If those of you who were opposed to the tax referendum but are in favor of the mission and accomplishments of the OSC meant what you said during and after the election, then here’s your chance!!  

Make your check payable to Oswego Senior Center or Oswegoland Seniors, Inc. and mail to OSC, 156 E. Washington St. , Oswego , IL . 60543 or come-by for a visit and make a cash contribution.  Please learn more about us and what we can do for you and your friends and relatives at www.oswegoseniorcenter.org. 

Bob Wyngard, Executive Director, Oswegoland Seniors Inc.