BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio — May's primary election is quickly approaching. Voters in Butler County will see a levy to support those with developmental disabilities.
The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities requested this levy after declaring a fiscal emergency.
Without new funding, they could run out of money by next year.
"Since then, we've been in an aggressive cost saving mode," explained Lee Ann Emmons, the superintendent of the Board of Developmental Disabilities. "So we've made lots of measures, cut some, contracts and services. Our staff have taken a pay reduction, shortened workweek. We've closed our building one day a week, and that has really impacted both the people that work here and the people that we support."
The organization supports over 4,000 people and their families, providing including early intervention, transportation, employment and home support.
If approved, the levy would generate about $26.5 million. It will cost residents $70 a year for every $100,000 that a home is worth.
Courtney Hineman is employed by the Board, but spoke to WLWT off the clock about how she relies on these services each day.
"I live on my own and in my own apartment, but I wouldn't be able to do that without the services I receive," she said. "So I have, support staff that come out to my apartment. They help me with things like getting ready for the day, they help me get groceries."
The last time a levy like this was on the ballot was over two decades ago.
Ohio's primary election is on May 5.
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