A 0.4-mill continuous levy for the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be on the ballot on election day.
Anne Miller, communications & public relations coordinator for the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities, said the levy covers everything the board does for its 2,500 clients.
“The main reason for the levy is the 3 percent growth that we’ve experienced,” said DCBDD Superintendent Kristine Hodge, who explained that since 2011, the board’s enrollment has grown by an average of 3 percent every year.
“Our service costs have increased tremendously. … As enrollment grows, the service costs are growing as well. … There’s a need in our budget everywhere.”
Hodge said if approved, the 0.4-mill levy would generate $3.1 million per year and cost a taxpayer of a $100,000 home valuation $14 per year.
Hodge explained the DCBDD has two levies that are currently being collected: a 0.56-mill renewal levy, which currently cost a taxpayer of a $100,000 home valuation $16.36 per year, and 2.1-mill renewal levy, which cost a taxpayer $56.22 per year based on a $100,000 home valuation. Hodge said that if the .4 mill levy passes in November, the DCBDD will allow the .56 mill levy to expire in 2020, which will mean a tax reduction for county taxpayers.
“This specific levy is needed for us to continue,” Hodge said. “(If the levy fails), we’d have to re-evaluate our programs and services. Right now, our programs and services expenses are over our projected revenue. If that continues, we’re going to have to take a hard look at our programs and services, and our priorities.”
Miller added the continuous levy would create stable funding for the board.
“We are really trying, as the growth continues, to think forward and be able to plan for growth and providing services for people,” Miller said.
Hodge said the board is thankful for the county’s support.
“We are trying to be good stewards of public dollars,” Hodge said. “We appreciate the community’s support. We’re very appreciative of our community. We know what we are doing is significant and impactful. … It’s life-changing to hear these stories. To hear what we offer and how it’s changed people’s lives. It’s a humbling experience.”
