Delaware County approves $129,311 supplemental appropriation for early intervention evaluations

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners on a voice vote approved a supplemental appropriation of $129,311 to cover evaluation and assessment services under an Early Intervention Service Coordination grant for state fiscal year 2026.

Amy Funk, senior director of operations and finance with the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities, told the commissioners the county’s Board of Developmental Disabilities was awarded an Early Intervention Service Coordination grant through the Ohio Department of Children and Youth for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. "Our total grant allocation for this is $720,019 which includes a separate allocation in the amount of $129,311 which is specifically earmarked for evaluations and assessments," Funk said.

Funk said the early intervention program serves approximately 300 children and families and described services covered by the grant as "service coordination, neonatal abstinence syndrome, elevated lead blood levels, evaluations, assessments, and local outreach." When asked whether the costs would be reimbursed by the grant, Funk replied, "Yes. Yes. Absolutely."

Commissioners voted on Resolution 25-448 to approve the supplemental appropriation; the motion passed with the board recording ayes. The appropriation was requested because the funding award was not known when the county finalized its 2025 budget.

The funding covers evaluation and assessment services specifically earmarked in the grant allocation; Funk said she would answer any additional questions from commissioners as needed.