Montgomery County officials say DD services face growing waiting list and $12.4 million shortfall

Kamarr Gage, superintendent of the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services, told the Board of County Commissioners that DDS served 3,789 people in 2025 and had an average daily membership of 3,910 as of April 29, 2026. He said staffing instability and rising program costs are straining the agency during the current levy cycle.

Gage said the federal waiver match obligation nearly doubled from $13.6 million in 2020 to $24.8 million in 2025 and reported that "89 eligible people are waiting for waivers" as of May 2026. He said DDS projects that, without additional funding, the waiting list could grow substantially and that approximately $12.4 million is needed just to maintain basic operations.

The superintendent outlined service reductions and expense controls the agency has used to navigate funding pressures, including reliance on volunteers and partnerships with local institutions such as Wright State University and the University of Dayton. He told commissioners the county and partner agencies have absorbed significant overhead and provided more than $25 million in additional one-time funds to support services.

County staff warned that, absent the $12.4 million, the agency would likely reduce staffing and non-mandated programs that support vulnerable residents, including early intervention, housing supports for affordable rents, two emergency shelters that serve people who are homeless or in crisis, family support services, locally funded home modifications, and certain clinical assessments. The presentation noted early intervention is mandated under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.