Trumbull County voters will be asked to increase funding for programs that benefit senior citizens.

On Wednesday, county commissioners unanimously voted to place a 1-mill five-year levy for senior citizens' services on the March primary ballot.

If passed, the money generated from the levy will be earmarked for the local Area Agency on Aging Inc., as well as the Senior Citizens Opportunity for Personal Endeavor, Inc. -- SCOPE -- said Tom Klingeman, the city of Warren representative for District XI Area Agency on Aging, Inc.

Commissioners said over 20 percent of the county's residents are 60 or older and that the county has the second highest over 65 population among Ohio urban counties. These numbers are only expected to climb as baby boomers enter the senior set.

"Seniors are in danger of exploitation and neglect," said Janet Schweitzer, the executive director of SCOPE.