APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR SENIOR FUND

The Grace Hoover Eldercare Center received a new bus this week, paid for by tax money generated through Cape Girardeau County's Senior Citizens' Services Fund.

The Eldercare Center received $27,070 to purchase a 17-passenger bus to provide transportation for citizens participating in its programs.

Expanding transportation was the top budget priority of the Cape Girardeau County Senior Citizens' Services board.

Bob Deneke, chairman of the advisory board, said the board is now accepting applications for its second budget.

Applications for funding in the coming year are being accepted through Oct. 31. A decision on how an anticipated $220,000 in tax revenue will be spent is expected in November, said Deneke.

The Senior Citizens' Services Fund was approved by voters in November 1990. The 5-cent property tax levy was passed to help provide services to benefit people age 60 and over in the county.

A seven-member board, appointed by the county commission, determines how money generated by the tax will be spent.

In addition to the Eldercare Center, some of the 11 agencies that have received funds are Southeast Missouri Hospital for its home health service, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, the nutrition centers in Jackson and Cape Girardeau, and Cape County Transit.

The board is soliciting applications from agencies for funding in 1993. Funds will be available after the first of the year.

Any agency, as long as it provides a service for individuals age 60 and over, may apply for money.

"Those who got funding last year need to submit another application," Deneke said. "Consideration of applications will begin all over. Each agency will be given a fresh appraisal."

In early November, the board will meet to review applications and interview those agency officials involved in the proposals.

To receive a proposal application, write Shelba Branscum, secretary, Senior Citizens' Services Fund Board, P.O. Box 223, Jackson, Mo. 63755.