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Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities urges support for Issue 1; outlines services and local impact
Summary
A representative of the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities told the East Canton council that Issue 1 on the November ballot would fund services for thousands of county residents and described local impacts and the levy’s cost to homeowners.
A representative of the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities addressed the Village of East Canton council to explain Issue 1 on the November ballot and to ask for community support.
"We support people with developmental disabilities and their families," the presenter said, identifying herself as the board’s chief financial officer and business manager. She told the council the board’s work touches more than 5,000 individuals countywide, "including about 65 residents right here in Scranton." She said the board supports 700 families with infants who have disabilities, provides specialized education to 160 students, and funds services for more than 1,900 individuals who live and work in the community.
The presenter described the board’s mission as lifelong and said demand has grown: "We provide lifelong high quality services to a growing population, serving 43% more people than we did 10 years ago. And while our commitment has grown, so have our costs, up a 140% over those 10 years." She told the council the levy on the ballot is 1.6 mills and that the estimated cost to a homeowner with a market value of $100,000 would be about $56 annually.
She said the board collaborates with private agencies and local law enforcement to investigate abuse and neglect and emphasized the board’s role as an advocate and planner for people with developmental disabilities.
Council members asked clarifying questions about whether the measure was a renewal. The presenter said this levy is a new request following changes in the system and not the same as a prior renewal.
No formal action by the council was required for the public presentation. The presenter left materials with the council and encouraged support for Issue 1 at the ballot.
