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Why vote YES for Carroll Hills?

November 4th is drawing near with many critical issues to be decided. The economy is bad and citizens are feeling the pinch with the increased cost of living. The outlook on jobs in the United States also looks bad. People on fixed incomes have to make decisions on eating, medicine, and gas in their vehicles. The government is trying to make a decision on increasing our national debt to bail out banks and those Americans being foreclosed.

The election brings hope, with a change in who will be the President. This election also brings hope to the Carroll County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities that taxpayers will again support our wonderful program. Past history has shown that Carroll County citizens support our levies around 55%. The only levies that failed were additional levies; however they passed the next time they were placed on the ballot.

The Board is in desperate need of passing this 3.6 mill 10 year replacement operational levy, with out it the program will cease to exist in 2010. The Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities has cut $65,000 from our budget, starting now. We know this is the tip of the iceberg, since we have to plan for an additional $165,000 cut in 2010. We also know that Tangible Personal Property Tax (TPPT) is being phased out thus if this levy passes we will have an additional $110,000 loss in county tax revenue from the loss of TPPT. The Board wants to continue all current services, thus the need to pass this levy.

I have heard many reports on how our levy will pass because the community supports our program. I have also heard some comments that the economy is bad and our levy will fail. The truth about our levy is Carroll County property tax payers’ rates will not increase in 2009 or 2010 due to MR/DD levies. Yes, this is a replacement operational tax levy which could generate more money. However, it will be collected at the 2006 rate and will not increase taxes unless the Board’s expenses exceed revenue and reserve money.

The Board has been financially sound and intends to keep expenses at a bare minimum. We also want to increase services to families that are eligible. The Board wants to serve everyone that applies for school, residential, and workshop services. This is becoming increasingly difficult due to revenue cuts and the increase in applications for services. The Board currently has a waiting list for preschool, school, and residential services. We should also have a waiting list for workshop services. It is very hard to tell a parent or family member “you will have to wait” when you know their child or adult could benefit from our services.

As a counselor, and a person with business training, it is very difficult to make financial decisions when you know the full ramifications on people’s lives. That it why it is so important we pass this levy. I know if this levy fails we have two more chances before the Board will be out of funds in 2010. I also know that the next levy attempt, if passed, will limit and most likely reduce current services. Reducing services is something I, and the Board, do not want to do because what part of our program should we eliminate? All of our services are vital to Carroll County! I believe there is a need for more services with the increase in children diagnosed with Autism, our individuals are living longer, and aging caregivers will need further assistance. That is why it is so important for you to VOTE YES FOR CARROLL HILLS!