Commissioners let MRDD board put levies on ballot

STAFF REPORT

WARREN – The Trumbull County commissioners have given their approval for the Trumbull County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities to place two tax issues on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.

The commissioners agreed Wednesday to the placing of an additional 1.2-mill levy before voters. If passed, the levy would generate $4 million annually. The other is a 1-mill replacement that will not cost property owners any additional money. It generates $3 million annually.

MRDD superintendent Dr. Douglas A. Burkhardt said added funding is needed because of decreased funding from the state and federal governments and increased costs.

The agency provides services to 1,100 children, adults and retirees with mental retardation.

“They are the least capable of helping themselves,” the superintendent said.

If the levies are turned down, Burkhardt said, there will be a continued reduction in staff and the elimination of some programs.

The agency has three levies that generate $14.2 million annually. A 2.25-mill issue that expires Dec. 31, 2014, a 1.5-mill issue that expires in 2012, and the 1-mill continuing levy that will be replaced if approved by voters.

The board is facing a $600,000 deficit for 2009 and a $4 million shortfall in 2010.

Burkhardt has said the program has eliminated 40 positions in recent years and another $650,000 in cuts will be considered at the board’s meeting later this month.