County developmental-disabilities CEO highlights levy anniversary and services to 15,000 residents

Amber Gibbs, CEO of the Kyhoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, addressed the Brooklyn City Council during the meeting’s second public session and outlined the agency’s services and funding.

Gibbs said it has been 20 years since the last levy the board passed countywide and that the agency’s 3.9-mill continuous levy remains the largest single revenue source, accounting for roughly two-thirds of the agency’s $180 million budget. "From birth through adulthood, we support people with developmental disabilities to live their best lives," she said, summarizing early-intervention, therapy, transition, housing and employment supports the board funds.

She told council the agency served about 15,000 people across the county last year — a 20% increase since 2005 — and described county levy-supported grantmaking: since 2021 the agency has awarded nearly $1 million to more than 50 local libraries, recreation centers and arts organizations to improve accessibility and programming.

Gibbs said the board comes to city councils annually to remind municipal officials and residents where to find supports and how to refer constituents who need services. She closed by encouraging council and residents to rely on the board as a resource for developmental-disability services across the county.

What the remarks mean for Brooklyn The presentation served as an informational briefing rather than a request for action from council. Council members acknowledged the overview; no motion or formal action on county funding was recorded during the meeting.

Provenance Amber Gibbs presented during the second public session; her remarks and the funding figures are recorded in the council transcript.