Property taxes have long been a major source of funding for necessary services provided to individuals with developmental disabilities. These dollars allow the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities to provide early intervention for young children, educational services for students, residential and in-home services for adults, transportation access, job training and employment programs, crisis intervention, and case management.

For many families, these services are not optional; they are vital to daily life, safety, and long-term stability. These services do more than help individuals, they strengthen families and communities by enabling people to participate more fully in everyday life.

Because a significant portion of the Trumbull County Board’s operating budget comes from voter-approved property tax levies, the Board can plan responsibly, invest in provider capacity, and respond quickly when needs change. Unlike state or federal funding allocations, which can change due to policy or economic conditions, levy funding offers the reliability needed to provide and maintain lifelong support to individuals and families.

In recent months, a statewide petition has been circulated proposing the elimination of property taxes in Ohio. While the petition is framed as taxpayer relief, its impact on our services would be substantial. Removing property taxes without replacement funding would strip the Board of its most dependable source of revenue. Specifically, for the children, adults, and families receiving services from the Trumbull County it would lead to severe program reductions, longer waiting lists, and fewer options for families seeking support.

The petition also raises concerns about control and accountability in the way funds are used. Property tax levies empower local voters to decide how their community invests in necessary services. Eliminating property taxes would shift financial control away from communities and allow decisions to be made at the state level, where funding may be less responsive to local needs. Eliminating property taxes is ultimately a decision about Ohio’s commitment to people with developmental disabilities. Any proposal that eliminates funding for services must carefully consider both immediate and long-term consequences.

As discussions around the petition continue, it’s important for Trumbull County residents to understand what is at stake. Property taxes do more than fund public services, they provide a lifeline and safety net for individuals with developmental disabilities living in Trumbull County. So, please share this information with your family and friends to ensure residents are making an informed decision about the future of TCBDD and the vital services the Board provides.

On behalf of the individuals and families receiving services from the TCBDD, I thank you for your ongoing commitment to the people we serve and the community they enrich.



Edward J. Stark

Superintendent,

Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities