UCP of Central Ohio

The Franklin County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities has a levy (Issue 29) on the March 4, 2008 ballot for the children and adults in Franklin County who have mental retardation or other developmental disabilities. This levy would replace two levies, one of which was passed in 1998 and the other in 1982. Specifically, the Board is requesting a replacement levy in the amount of 1.65 mills and an increase of 1.85 mills and if this levy is passed, the Board will allow the 2.32 mill levy to expire without renewal.
What is the Cost?
• The owner of a $100,000 house will contribute an additional $47.31 per year or less than $1.00/week.
• This 3.50 (total of 1.65 and 1.85) mill levy will replace two levies. The two levies that will be replaced currently total 3.97 voted mills (2.32 and 1.65). Even though the new voted millage will be less than the previous levies, the updated effective rate will provide some additional funds to allow for continued delivery of basic quality services to the children and adults of our community who have mental retardation or other developmental disabilities.
The Levy will Maintain Basic Services
Money raised by the levy will help maintain the basic services required by a growing number of people in Franklin County. These services include operation of:
• Early childhood classes for children ages birth to 6 years.
• Schools for children who have multiple handicaps, ages 6 to 21 years.
• Sheltered workshops providing job training and jobs for adults.
• Home-based training services for children who are medically unable to attend programs.
• Supported living and service coordination services for individuals and their families.
• Services for senior citizens who have mental retardation or other developmental disabilities.
Demand for Services Continues
• The number of individuals receiving services continues to increase at a rate of 3-5 percent per year.
• Many parents, in their 70s or 80s, are still caring for their disabled adult child at home and need our support.
• The number of children and adults receiving services has increased due to:
◊ Increased awareness on the part of doctors, who can refer children with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities at birth.
◊ Better medical technology.
◊ Increased efforts to find children and adults who will benefit from MRDD programs.
◊ Change in eligibility standards.
◊ Growth in our community.
Getting Results
• The Board provides services for children and adults, many of whom have both mental retardation and physical handicaps.
• The Board has secured more federal dollars than any other county, helping to stretch local tax dollars.
• With the help of early intervention and preschool services, 90 percent of the children leaving preschool are able to go to a regular school rather than a special school.
• The Board provides services directly and contracts with many organizations (e.g., Goodwill, Easter Seals, Children’s Hospital, Catholic Social Services, Childhood League, Jewish Center, Special Olympics, etc.) to deliver services efficiently.
• The Board has fulfilled previous commitments and has not been on the ballot since 2001.
• With passage of this levy the Board will not renew the 2.32 mill levy that will expire in 2008.
• With the help of sheltered employment and placement services, many adults with mental retardation become less dependent on tax supported services, by acquiring jobs in our community.
• The Board received the maximum 5 year accreditation from the state of Ohio, demonstrating excellence in services.
Who is The Franklin County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities?
• The Board was created by Ohio Law in 1967 to provide services to individuals with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities.
• It is composed of:
◊ Five members appointed by the County Commissioners.
◊ Two members appointed by the Probate Judge.
◊ At least three members must be parents or family members of individuals receiving or eligible for the services provided by the Board.
Franklin County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities

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Submitted by kperine on Sun, 01/27/2008 - 9:14pm.