April 13, 2025
By Rachel Scofield

As Fairfield County continues to grow, so does the need for essential services that support individuals with developmental disabilities. On May 6, voters will be asked to renew the Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Fairfield DD) 1.85-mill property tax levy—an initiative that will ensure critical programs remain fully funded for years to come.

If voters approve the renewal, the estimated yearly tax for property owners would be $40 per $100,000 of value.

“This renewal will not raise your property taxes or cost you any more than you are already paying. Fairfield DD is raising independence, not taxes,” said Angela Krile, spokesperson for the “Yes for Fairfield DD” campaign.

The current levy, which is set to expire at the end of 2025, funds nearly one-third of Fairfield DD’s $22 million operating budget—roughly $7.38 million annually. These funds help support nearly 2,000 individuals across the county each year, including operations at Forest Rose School, which serves students with developmental disabilities by providing academics, functional living skills, and work training to promote independence.

Demand for Services is Growing

Since 2010, Fairfield County has ranked as the fifth fastest-growing county in Ohio. That growth has translated into a 64% increase in individuals served by Fairfield DD since 2015—a number expected to continue climbing. Despite this, the agency is not asking for an increase in tax dollars.

Instead, Fairfield DD is doubling down on its mission to serve people of all ages with developmental disabilities through advocacy, education, and innovative resources. The organization’s strategic focus includes expanding access to assistive technology and remote support, improving transportation and housing options, and offering community education on topics like financial literacy and transitioning to adulthood.

Creating Pathways to Independence

“Fairfield DD has assumed the robust role of being an advocate for all ages that live with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while growing as a pillar of community education, resources, and collaboration,” said Krile. “Your partnership through levy dollars helps provide Fairfield DD with the means to fill service gaps for individuals from birth to adulthood.”

The agency is committed to ensuring that no individual is left on a waitlist, and that every person has the opportunity to lead a safe, productive, and independent life.

Your Vote Matters

Fairfield DD emphasizes the importance of community support in keeping these services running strong. “It takes all of us working together to not only maintain services but to ensure no individual is waitlisted,” Krile added.

Voters are encouraged to learn more at www.fairfieldddlevy.org.

Calculate Your Property Tax

The Fairfield County Auditor’s Office is pleased to announce the availability of an updated tax levy estimator tool on the Auditor’s Real Estate website.

County Auditor Carri Brown stated, “If a property owner would like to estimate the amount of tax associated with millage that is on the ballot for approval, this tool can be helpful in that property owner’s evaluation of the issue. And if anyone has any questions, he or she can call our office.”

For Tuesday, May 6, 2025, primary election, all Fairfield County residents will see a Board of DD renewal levy issue. Fairfield County residents in Bloom Township, Greenfield Township, Hocking Township, and Walnut Local School District will see property tax ballot issues. Also, for Buckeye Lake Village, Southwest Licking Local School, and Teays Valley Local School District, there are property tax ballot issues, although these are for districts that are mainly in other counties.