LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Lakewood’s proposed 2026 budget includes a $126,000 increase for senior transportation services, driven by rising provider costs and declining outside funding.

Human Services Director Chad Berry outlined the change during a budget presentation to city council at Monday night’s meeting, noting the increase in the Division of Aging’s contractual services line item for its contract with Senior Transportation Connection.

“They are currently going through what everyone is going through when it comes to transportation or provision of any kind of service in the county, and they have kind of increased their fees,” Berry said.

The Senior Transportation Connection provides rides for elderly residents to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations. Berry

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