DeKalb County is soliciting bids for use of Fiscal Year 2014 Senior Tax Levy funds. County voters approved a .025 percent tax levy in 1997. The county collects and distributes the roughly $450,000 generated by this levy.

The county board has restricted the use of the funds to preventing premature institutionalization of seniors. Keeping seniors out of nursing homes and hospitals results in savings for taxpayers. FY2013 funds were awarded for services provided by  Barb City Manor, Ben Gordon Center, DeKalb County Health Department, DeKalb County Hospice, Elder Care Services, Family Service Agency, Fox
Valley Older Adult Services, Hope Haven, Opportunity House, Prairie State Legal Services and Voluntary Action Center.

The county is soliciting bid applications from providers of services that keep seniors out of institutions. Applications can be obtained from the DeKalb County Community Services Department at 815-758-3910 or through the “Invitation To Bid” section on www.dekalbcounty.org. Bids are due no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22.