By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
Wood County voters on Tuesday resoundingly supported the 2.45-mill renewal levy for the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities by a margin of 65% to 35% (29,622-15,949).
The levy was the only countywide issue on the ballot, yet there were many other issues on the ballot across the county dealing with vital services such as health and safety, EMS and fire, roads and transportation.
“We are very fortunate to have the support of the voters,” said Brent Baer, superintendent of the county board of developmental disabilities.
Passage of the levy, which will collect $8.4 million annually for five years, “means we go to work tomorrow (Wednesday) to continue working on our mission to support, empower and inspire individuals with developmental disabilities and continue to focus on our strategic initiatives,” Baer added.
The multi-system youth initiative is one of the primary projects of the strategic plan. “We knew we would have to have the support of the voters before we could move forward with the next phases,” he said. “It’s going to be a huge challenge for us, but it is absolutely something that those we serve and their families need.”
David and Marian Brown, parents of a 25-year-old son with Down Syndrome, voiced their appreciation to the voters of Wood County. Their son is involved in many of the services and activities through Wood Lane, including Special Olympics.
“He loves all the activities and we feel it gives him a purpose,” Marian Brown said. “Without these activities, his life would be so limited. Special Olympics has been a wonderful outlet for him and has been a great social opportunity.”
Serving people throughout the lifespan, from ages 1 to 89, requires a lot of thought and process to make sure we have all the services available, Baer said.
“Thank you, Wood County for this amazing victory,” said Kimberly Paxton, one of the more than 1,000 individuals served by the Wood County board. “Because of our amazing community, individuals with disabilities can continue receiving the wonderful services and programs that we have.”
