The Town of the City of Galesburg will hold a special township meeting Tuesday to vote on transferring $25,000 in surplus funds to the Volunteer Network on Aging (VNA) to support its home-delivered meals program for eligible township seniors.
The meeting, set for 5:30 p.m. at Galesburg City Hall, comes as VNA seeks stable funding to sustain critical services for Knox County’s aging population. The proposed $25,000 from the General Town Fund’s surplus—tax levies exceeding needs for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2025—would be earmarked specifically for meals for Galesburg Township residents.
Township Supervisor Kim Thierry proposed the initiative. As a home health professional, Thierry said she frequently refers clients to VNA and sees its vital role, telling WGIL, “I wanted to make sure we utilized everything available. Learning about township opportunities, I realized we could assist VNA’s funding needs for our seniors.”
Previously: VNA seeks $50,000 annual commitment from Galesburg to fund senior services
Michael Bennett, VNA’s executive director, told WGIL: “The $25,000 commitment from the Galesburg Township is its own standalone grant and is separate from our request to the City of Galesburg.”
He added, “These funds will help us move closer to our $120,000 local match goal — the amount needed to continue unlocking more than $700,000 in federal Title III funds that sustain critical senior programs across Knox County.”
VNA’s meals program serves over 175 immobile seniors daily, with monthly food costs alone reaching $22,000. The township’s contribution is distinct from VNA’s push for a $50,000 annual commitment from the City of Galesburg, which drew 850 petition signatures and a packed Sept. 15 City Council meeting.
City Manager Eric Hanson recently told WGIL that funds for VNA are in the proposed 2026 city budget, pending council approval, though the amount is undecided.
Bennett noted that ongoing talks with the city will determine future funding, and every dollar strengthens VNA’s century-long mission to serve seniors.
“We are deeply grateful to the leadership of both the City and the Township for recognizing the importance of sustaining services for our aging population,” he said. “Their willingness to stand with us helps ensure that Galesburg and Knox County seniors never have to go without the care and support they deserve.”
The township’s resolution requires a two-thirds vote from at least 15 attending electors—registered township voters, including trustees acting as citizens, not officials. City/Township Clerk Kelli Bennewitz explained, “Any registered voter in the Township can make the motion to approve and subsequently vote on the motion.”
If approved, the transfer will be finalized at the Nov. 3 township meeting, with funds potentially available by year’s end. Thierry plans to propose a $25,000 VNA line item for the 2026 budget, with annual commitments subject to future budget cycles. “We’ll make sure it fits within the guidelines,” she said. “We can afford it.”