Trumbull MRDD board looks to add levy to ballot

STAFF REPORT

NILES — The Trumbull County Board of Mental Retardation Developmental Disabilities wants to put a replacement plus additional levy on the November general election ballot.

The recommendation approved Monday now goes to the county commissioners for approval to place the issue on the ballot.

Superintendent Dr. Douglas A. Burkhardt said the 2.2 mills would generate about $5.1 million annually for five years.

The agency now has three levies that generate $14.3 million annually. A 2.25-mill issue expires Dec. 31, 2014, while a 1.5-mill issue expires Dec. 31, 2012. A 1-mill issue would be replaced if the issue is approved by voters.

“We’ve done what we can do” with current income, the superintendent said.

The board is facing a $660,000 deficit for its 2009 budget and $4 million shortfall in 2010.

At the same time, the board will look at further cuts.

The superintendent said the program has eliminated 40 positions in recent years and the board is discussing further cuts that will be considered at its July 25 meeting.

The cuts might include $100,000 in savings by not entering into lease/purchase agreements to buy five buses and stretch the life of the 34 buses in current operation.

Another $50,000 may be cut by eliminating a training program for adults. They will be assigned to perform subcontract work in the shops. About $100,000 may be reduced from the 2009 budget by eliminating one senior or leadership position.

Burkhardt explained that $100,000 might be sliced by reducing contract costs with the Trumbull Community Action Program that provides transportation of clients to jobs throughout the community. MRDD is not permitted under state law to use its own buses to take clients to job sites.