Columbiana MRDD board will seek levy in November

LISBON — As expected, the Columbiana County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities will seek a new levy in November.

The board has been collecting four levies, and increased collections under one in the May primary.

William Devon, the board’s superintendent, on Wednesday asked the county commissioners to place the 2.5-mill levy for 10 years starting in 2008 on the ballot. It would bring in about $3.5 million a year.

Devon said the board is facing having to close its Robert Bycroft School, which he said is not mandated by law.

Devon added that costs are up because people with disabilities are living longer because of advances in care, and often live into their 70s with no one to care for them.

To raise funds for costs not covered by the government, the MR/DD will also have a Rib Smoke Off, Auction and Car Show from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday at Csonka’s Sports Complex north of Lisbon.

Vendors include Mark’s Landing, The East Liverpool Motor Lodge, Carter’s Ribs, Texas Roadhouse of Monaca, Pa., Ben’s Restaurant and Norm’s BBQ Ribs.

There will be a regular auction and a silent auction, with items ranging from autographed sports items to a registered spotted Tennessee Walking horse.