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Board of Developmental Disabilities warns of levy shortfall, rising waiver match costs
Summary
Amber Gibbs, CEO and superintendent of the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, told council the board faces decreasing levy revenues and higher Medicaid waiver match costs that will pressure reserves and long‑term services.
Amber Gibbs, CEO and superintendent of the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, presented the board’s budget preview during the committee meeting on Oct. 14 and warned council members that slower levy collections and rising waiver match and benefits costs create fiscal pressure.
Gibbs told council the board serves about 15,000 people and that the board’s revenue is highly dependent on a local levy. She said levy collections are projected to decline compared with 2025 collections and that the board expects reserves near $70 million by the end of next year.
Why it matters
The county board’s services support people with developmental disabilities across the county and fund private providers who deliver direct care and employment supports. A shortfall in levy receipts or an inability to meet Medicaid waiver match obligations could shift fiscal responsibility or reduce services.
What the board said
Gibbs summarized revenues and expenses for 2026 and said the board’s local levy accounts for about 78% of its revenue. She described three main cost pressures for 2026: a roughly $2,000,000 increase in the board’s Medicaid waiver match obligation, an approximate $2,000,000 increase in employee benefits, and modestly higher communications and outreach costs.
Gibbs said the board planned modest reductions overall in its 2026 budget but cautioned that waiver match obligations are a long‑term commitment to the individuals the board serves. “Our Medicaid waiver costs for individuals with disabilities are a lifetime commitment,” Gibbs said.
Council questions and follow‑up
Council members asked about reserves, waiting lists and potential levy timing. Gibbs said the board will have close to $70,000,000 in reserves by the end of next year but noted that at current expenditure patterns that balance could be drawn down. She said the board currently has no waiting list for county board services or Medicaid waivers.
Ending note
Gibbs said the board had shifted many day‑service operations to private providers in recent years and is focused on keeping program spending concentrated on direct services. Council members signaled interest in working with the board on potential levy timing and additional county support if needed.
