Trumbull MRDD seeks more levy funding

NILES – The Trumbull County Board of Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities wants to place 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.

Read more in Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com