Children services director asks commissioners to consider a levy; board delays action pending agency vote and further analysis

Athens County Children Services Director Otis Crockron briefed the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 27 on agency finances and a proposed levy request, and commissioners declined to place a levy on the ballot pending the children's services board decision and additional analysis.

Crockron presented the agency's 2025 figures showing $15.36 million in revenue and $16.64 million in expenditures, a deficit largely driven by placement and residential care costs, and noted non‑IV‑E eligible youth increased from six to 30 — adding roughly $162,000 per month in locally funded placement costs. Crockron asked commissioners to consider placing a 3.0‑mill, 10‑year levy on the May 2026 ballot, with the intent to reduce a current levy collection to keep aggregate millage stable.

Commissioner Lenny Eliason said it would be inappropriate for commissioners to act before the agency board votes. Commissioner Chris Chmiel and Auditor Jill advised caution: Chmiel preferred waiting until November, and the auditor recommended preserving the existing 2005 qualifying levy language to maintain state rollback protections for owner‑occupied homes if a new levy is pursued. No motion was made.

Commissioner Charlie Adkins emphasized the county's capital reserve ($2.5 million) is intended as contingency for debt and should not be routinely drawn without direct notice to the board. Crockron stated prior transfers were made in response to cash‑flow strains and future draws will be presented in person rather than only as Munis entries.