The LCBDD levy has passed!

The Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities is offering its sincerest thanks to Licking County voters for their support of its 1.5 mill levy.

Late Tuesday night, unofficial Board of Election data showed the levy had passed with 54.2 percent of the electorate voting “YES.”

“We are very grateful we were able to get support from the voters,” said Superintendent Jason Umstot. “This gives LCBDD the solid foundation it needs to continue to grow and move forward.”

By supporting the ballot issue, voters replaced the original 1 mill levy, approved an additional 0.5 mills and changed the terms of the levy to continuing.

Although LCBDD will eventually have to return to the voters to replace that millage, Umstot said he is confident that it will be at least eight to 10 years before LCBDD is back on the ballot.

With the success of the levy, LCBDD is able to focus on supporting county residents and remaining on the cutting edge of Ohio’s constantly evolving DD field.

“In 2017, we’ll celebrate our 50^th anniversary in Licking County,” Umstot said. “We really have a lot of positive things to celebrate.”

 The board would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the countless people who offered their time and support to the levy campaign — especially campaign co-chairs, Mike and Brittaney Crider, Tanner Krupp and Amy Gartner.

“Without the local community, LCBDD wouldn’t be able to fulfill its mission,” Umstot said. “We are proud to be in such a supportive county.