The Marion County Commissioners recently met to approve the proceeding of a new tax levy for the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD). MCBDD passed a levy in 2020 for a five-year term. That levy expired at the end of the calendar year 2025.

The proposed levy reduces the current rate from 3.0 mills to 2.4 mills, but it will provide the valuation to reflect today’s property values. For homeowners, this means an annual cost of $84 per year for a home valued at $100,000.

MCBDD is also seeking to extend the levy’s term from five years to a ten-year fixed rate, a commitment to voters and a move aimed at providing long-term financial stability and avoiding the need for frequent ballot renewals. The board also has a separate 0.5 mill Capital levy held at the 1985 collection rate due for renewal in 2026 (learn the difference by clicking here: https://www.marioncountydd.org/frequently-asked-questions).

Important notes about the levy request by MCBDD:

• The 2020 Levy has expired and will not continue after final collections at the end of 2026
• The 2.4 milleage of the 2026 request is less milleage than the 2020 expired levy
• MCBDD does not receive an increase in funding when homes are reevaluated
• MCBDD currently runs on federal funds, state funding, and local property taxes
• A new levy is critical to fund services and programs for those in our community with developmental disabilities
• MCBDD has seen a steady rise in services and state-mandated costs

Commissioner Kevin Davidson voiced his support, citing firsthand experience with the board’s impact in the community.

MCBDD serves approximately 1,000 individuals in Marion County, including 124 children under age 3, nearly 350 youth between ages 3 and 22, and hundreds of adults as long as they need services. Services include early childhood intervention, residential support, job training, employment services, family assistance, assistive technology, Special Olympics programming, and more.

Director of Operations Travis Harrah noted a significant increase in demand since the last levy was passed in 2020. “We have added over 200 people to our caseloads and have seen a state-mandated 36% increase in our waiver costs,” Harrah said. “We are happy to see that people are finding us for support, but obviously, that puts a strain on our budget. We are confident that with this 2.4 mill levy, we can sustain through the ten-year requested levy cycle at the current rates and service projections.”

MCBDD invites the public to learn more about its services by visiting our website, which features stories, frequently asked questions, and facts about the work we do. MCBDD also has an active social media presence, where people can find real stories from real people supported by the Marion County Board of DD every day.

Founded in 1967 as part of a statewide initiative to provide alternatives to institutional care, the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities continues its mission to help individuals with developmental disabilities live, learn, and earn in their local communities. The organization is funded through a combination of local tax dollars, state, and federal funds.

For more information, including a detailed Q&A and personal stories from those served, visit the MCBDD website.