ELYRIA, Ohio – The Lorain County Board of Commissioners on Friday voted to place a five-year, 0.85-mill levy for developmental disabilities services on the May primary ballot.
Officials say the funding – which would begin collection in 2027 – is necessary to preserve critical programs for more than 3,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities across the county.
Amber Fisher, superintendent of the Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which operates as Murray Ridge Center, told commissioners the levy would preserve existing programs, as the agency faces rising costs and a projected $5 million reduction in reserves going into 2026.
Murray Ridge operates on a $40 million annual budget and provides lifelong services including early intervention for more than 1,100 infants and toddlers with developmental delays, education through Murray Ridge School, and day, vocational and residential programs for adults. The agency also funds private providers and pays the non-federal share for Medicaid programs.
Fisher said Murray Ridge hasn’t requested additional funding in more than 12 years despite inflation and increasing needs, and staff have “tightened the belt” in 2025 to maintain service levels.
The financial strain stems largely from COVID-19’s aftermath, which created severe direct care worker shortages. Ohio responded by significantly increasing Medicaid waiver reimbursement rates, which raised the “match” dollars county developmental disabilities boards must pay.
“As a result, county boards of [developmental disabilities] throughout the state of Ohio are finding themselves in a deficit spending situation,” Fisher said.
If the levy passes, about 70% of Murray Ridge’s budget would come from property taxes.
Commissioner Marty Gallagher praised the organization’s work, calling his visit to Murray Ridge facilities “eye-opening” and highlighting how the services help people with disabilities live productive and comfortable lives.
Fisher invited the public to visit Murray Ridge School to see how levy dollars are used.
“I can stand here and talk to you all day long about what we do, but a picture paints a thousand words,” she said.
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