Delaware County commissioners approve resolution to seek 1.8‑mill levy for developmental disabilities services

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a resolution of necessity seeking a 1.8‑mill additional levy for five years to support the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Christine Hodgej, superintendent of the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities, told commissioners the agency serves about 2,300 eligible individuals and relies heavily on levy funding combined with Medicaid match. "Without this money, we will not be able to continue serving people," she said, seeking the board's support after a prior levy was defeated May 5.

Hodgej said levy funding and the Medicaid match are the board’s largest budget drivers and that the county’s match funding grew from $4 million in 2015 to about $18 million in 2026. She described services including early intervention, case management and family support and noted the board recently received a three‑year accreditation from the state of Ohio.

Commissioners described the proposal as a difficult but necessary ask of the community. President Jeff Benton noted the May 5 defeat had been close and praised staff for revising the proposal. Commissioner Barb Lewis said the services are vital and indicated the board would support moving the measure forward.

The board voted to approve Resolution 26‑450 to declare necessity for the levy, enabling the Board of Developmental Disabilities to take the next steps to place the question before voters. The resolution authorizes staff to proceed with required procedures; the transcript records the vote in favor by both present commissioners and no public comment at that agenda moment.

If placed on the ballot, the levy would run five years; specifics about the ballot date were not stated during the presentation.