HomeLocal NewsLCBDD Presents 2024 BudgetLCBDD Presents 2024 BudgetSat, October 14, 2023 by April KingSHARE NOW The Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD) met on October 12, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting began with Business Director, Jennifer Frail presenting the 2024 budget to the Board for approval. One of the largest changes in the budget for the upcoming year is going to be an expected increase in costs due to the provider rates increasing by 38%, starting January 1, 2024.The Logan County Board of DD’s budget planning stems directly from changes in Ohio’s 2024-2025 budget, whereas the state has made the largest investment in the history of Ohio’s developmental disability community. These new funds support rate increases for direct support provisions and waiver services, including Adult Day Services, Homemaker/Personal Care Services, and Vocational Habilitation Services. It is the intent that people will continue to be able to receive their current level of service authorization with increased cost limits and that services will NOT need to be decreased due to the rate increases. Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities is committed to maintaining and demonstrating superior fiscal responsibility to the community.In other news, the number of individuals served by LCBDD continues to grow. Increasing numbers of children are entering through developmental screenings and identification into the Early Intervention and Preschool programs. Increasing numbers of adults and children are becoming eligible for SSA (case management) services through the intake and eligibility process and because of increases in intensive needs, these individuals may require frequent contact or more specific support. Agency departments are serving the highest numbers to date. Early Intervention has received 141 new referrals this year. The Discovery Center Preschool is currently serving 179 children and there has been an increased need for speech therapy services, with 96 children receiving speech services. The SSA department is currently serving 356 individuals, with 61 new referrals received in 2023.The Community Recreation and Special Olympics Coordinators are busy with advocacy events, flag football, softball and so much more. There is a new club called the “Weekend Do It” vacation club. This club helps guide individuals through the vacation planning process. They will be traveling to Florida soon, staying near Universal Studios. Part of this program aids people with differing levels of ability to have an inclusive time at Universal. The preparation and time at the park is going to be placed on their new YouTube station so other individuals can learn how to help themselves have a great time when they go away on vacation. In other agency updates, a new employee will be hired to fill the role of Executive Assistant. Ashley Shefbuch comes to LCBDD with 21 years of experience in the DD field and LCBDD is excited to welcome her to the team on October 24th.Lastly, LCBDD wants to thank everyone who came out and supported their annual Chicken BBQ held on October 5th. It was another successful BBQ with profits to benefit a great cause with the Logan County Foundation and support families in our community. In particular, LCBDD would like to thank all of the volunteers who made the event a success and all of our sponsors. THANK YOU!Board meetings are typically held the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at 1973 St. Rt. 47 West, Bellefontaine. The next meeting of the board will be held on November 2, 2023.
