Village of Lombard Legistar System

B. Social Services

Tim Sexton, Director of Finance, spoke about the circuit breaker program which is a

State program which provides grants to seniors citizens and people with disabilities. He

indicated that it is a benefit for most people. He also referenced that the program

provides discounted license plates annually, grants for property taxes and prescription

drug assistance. Also if someone is eligible for the state program, then they're eligible

for the Village program. Eligibility is based on certain criteria including income levels for

a single person, for a family, etc.

Other programs offered by the Village include:

1. Taxi Subsidy Program - offered to seniors age 65 or older or persons with disabilities

based on circuit breaker program qualifications. A coupon book is purchased for $5 and

can be used like cash…. There are no requirements other than being a senior citizen or

a disabled person.

Zachary Wilson asked how abuse is detected. Mr. Sexton indicated that the Village

does not check. There are no restrictions on where the seniors can go. Expenditures

come from the Village's General Fund.

Trustee Fitzpatrick indicated that in the future there might be a circulator bus which

would be cheaper, run more frequently, etc. It will consist of a main route with other

routes within a six block radius from the main route. This is part of our big transportation

program for the Village. Also, she mentioned the Free RTA senior free ride program.

This is not a Village program but you can apply at Village Hall. Photos are taken and

the application is processed. This program has been expanded to include people with

disabilities as well. Circulator buses are NOT part of the free ride campaign.

2. Vehicle Stickers are offered at reduced rates for seniors, veterans, and people with

disabilities. Eligibility is also based on the circuit breaker program- 65 for senior citizen

age.

3. Assessment Freeze Program - once an individual reaches age 65 they can apply to

have their assessment frozen at the current rate.

4. Property Tax Deferment - This program is geared toward people who cannot afford

to pay property taxes. A lien is placed on the house and the State charges 6.5 percent

interest. The Village helps facilitate the forms and the filing of the application.

5. Water bills - Whenever a resident cannot pay their water bill or has any financial

issues that come up, DuPage County Office of Human Services maintains a referrals

list. The Township offers a program which is the most frequently used and has

provided the most help to people in the past. They have paid people's water bills as a

one-time deal just to get them caught up. They work with them to offer payment plans

(VOL) to help them out, i.e., can't afford to pay their water bill because of poor planning,

sod, etc. Finance maintains the County referral list to keep on hand for referrals of all

type.

Andy Draus questioned whether or not the Village has a program to help people pay

their water bill. Tim Sexton stated that this type of program doesn't exist but he

referenced Catholic Charities and churches who also give assistance to people.

Andy Draus asked about ambulance billing. Mr. Sexton answered that Medicare pays

and then as required by law, the Village is required to write off the balance. There are

also payment plans for ambulance billing. Billing comes from a third party billing agency

on behalf of the Village.

Zachary Wilson asked if there are other private utilities that we can negotiate with for

lower rates. Mr. Sexton answered no. There is the Low Income Home Energy

Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program but the Village has no utility negotiation ability.

Andy Draus asked how many employees the Finance Department employs. Mr. Sexton

answered 17 with two contract employees in IT, which is part of the Finance

Department.

Trustee Fitzpatrick indicated that social worker services is very confusing for people and

overwhelming for the helpers.

Lisa Biegalski offered that she is aware of someone who needs serious help. The

walk-in ministry helps them once a year and then can refer people to these other places.

Trustee Fitzpatrick and Joelyn Kott stated they will talk to the front counter employees to

see what reactions and what kinds of scenarios people need and how to handle it.

Trustee Fitzpatrick indicated that the nominees were invited to the Board of Trustees

meeting on September 18. Winners will be awarded gift certificates and plaques and

will be asked to be greeters at the Senior Fair.

First, the committee went over the nominations for the female senior of the year.

Nominations included Alvina VanDenend, Marymae Meyer and Bett Simmons. The vote

was taken and Alvina VanDenend was the unanimous winner.

Ray Dorn, Ray Thompson, Mike Mikulecky, Michael Wolatz and James Gresak were

nominated for the male senior of the year. The winner was Mike Mikulecky.

The committee felt that nominations should not come from the committee members and

Trustee Fitzpatrick mentioned that Gerri Kuehl and Pam Bedard are going to the Senior

Citizens Council meeting and will report back at the next meeting.

Joelyn Kott gave an update on the Senior Fair and went over the agenda for the day.

Committee members signed up to volunteer for the day and everything seemed to be in

order for the event. Secretary of State Jesse White is scheduled to make an

appearance. There is a waiting list for vendors who would like to have participated but

space is limited and it is full.