TOLEDO, Ohio – The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is preparing to place a new ballot measure before voters. The proposal calls for a continuous levy of three mills – roughly an extra $105 each year for every $100,000 of home valuation – to sustain and expand in‑home services for residents with developmental disabilities.

Why a New Levy Is Needed

Board leaders say rising costs are driving the request. Michele Myerholtz, superintendent and CEO of the Board, explained that the agency’s clientele is growing both in number and in the complexity of needs. “Our clientele is growing. Not only are we serving a higher number of individuals of Lucas County, but the people we are seeing are growing in their complex needs,” she said.

Medicaid Match and County Funding

Part of the levy revenue would be used to meet the county’s share of the Medicaid match. The federal government covers about 65 percent of Medicaid expenses, leaving the remaining portion to be funded locally. Without the county’s match, the state would lose roughly $94 million in Medicaid dollars, a loss that would ultimately affect services for vulnerable residents.

Supporting Staff and Service Quality

The levy would also help offset rising wage costs for the staff who provide daily care. State leaders increased wage rates a few years ago, but the Board still faces a workforce shortage. “We were in a workforce crisis. We have people who need services, and we didn’t have enough people willing and able to provide those services because the wage was so low,” Myerholtz noted.

Community Appeal

Myerholtz urged voters to consider the human impact of the measure. “I recognize people have to make a tough choice. I just would encourage folks to really look at people with developmental disabilities. They don’t have the same luxuries as you or I have to be able to support themselves and meet their needs,” she said.

Next Steps

County commissioners have already signed off on sending the levy request to the Lucas County Board of Elections. If approved, this would be the fourth levy the Board of Developmental Disabilities has placed on the ballot, reflecting a continued commitment to care for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

Voters will see the measure on the upcoming election ballot. The Board encourages residents to review the details and consider the long‑term benefits of stable, locally funded support for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.