Butler County DD board seeks 2‑mill levy to cover ballooning waiver match

The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities asked the commissioners on Dec. 2 to place a new 2‑mill continuous property tax levy on the spring ballot, saying escalating waiver match obligations will otherwise force further service cuts.

The board representative told the commission the agency serves about 4,200 residents and that waivers — federal programs that pay most service costs — have grown to the point that the local waiver match will absorb roughly 97% of the board’s locally guaranteed revenue in 2026. "We are asking for 2 mills new, a continuing levy that will generate about 26,000,000 annually," the representative said, arguing the levy would "make us whole" and prevent the elimination of critical, locally funded programs.

Why it matters: County officials and board staff said the board has managed budget pressure by rolling back staff raises and pausing non‑mandated services, but those measures are not sustainable. The board reported $2.1 million in cuts already enacted and described additional reductions for 2026 including paused wage increases, a reduced work week for many employees, and a 50% reduction in family support services funding.

Details and context: The presenter said the board has not asked voters for new funds since 2004 and that local collections have not benefited from rising property values because of levy structure. The board estimated the existing local levy collection at about $53.21 per $100,000 of property value and that the proposed additional mill would raise the combined levy to roughly $123.21 per $100,000 (about $10.27 monthly for the example cited).

Officials emphasized the difference between mandated services — such as case management, investigative agents, nursing oversight and waiver match — and discretionary subsidies such as subsidized housing, camps and some wraparound supports. The board said it will prioritize competitive employment supports for those who can work but must pause many other locally funded services if new revenue is not secured.

Public response: Several residents and providers urged commissioners to support the levy. "With the right support, she can continue to thrive," said Courtney Hyman, who described receiving services since childhood and now working and co‑leading a self‑advocacy group. Provider Scott Mann described on‑call responsibilities and community programs supported by DD funding and asked commissioners to sustain the services.

What happens next: The presentation served as the board’s formal request; no levy vote took place at the Dec. 2 commission meeting. The board asked commissioners to place the measure on the spring ballot so voters can decide. Commissioners did not take a formal vote on the levy request during the meeting; any ballot placement would require a separate commission action or process under Ohio election law.