TOLEDO, Ohio — As voting season is underway in Lucas County, Issue 30 has emerged as a topic of discussion among county residents. This proposed levy aims to raise $12.2 million annually to support Lucas County Children Services in its mission to care for the community’s most vulnerable children.
If approved, homeowners would see an increase in their property taxes, with the funds primarily directed toward offsetting what LCCS says are the rising costs of child welfare services.
Issue 30 is a new money levy. The cost to taxpayers in Lucas County would be $52.50 per $100,000 dollars in home value, and if you own a $300,000 home you'd be paying roughly $157.50 per year, according to Lucas County Children Services.
Kevin Milliken is a public information officer with Lucas County Children Services.
He says the $12.2 million generated each year will mainly be used to offset the increased cost of caring for Lucas County's most troubled children and would allow their caseworkers at LCCS and other staff to continue their efforts.
"This is about the kids of our community. This is about the kids that have suffered the trauma of abuse and neglect through no fault of their own. And it's a small investment now to give them that chance at a successful adulthood. And we need to give them that chance," Milliken said.
Milliken says the levy would especially be used to help pay for placement costs for children who come into foster care under extreme circumstances.
"If the levy doesn't pass, this is our second single biggest budget line item. And we're going to have to look at other areas of the budget to make up for those costs. And that means that children are not going to get the level of services and care that they do now," Milliken said.
Residents' opinions
Some people in Lucas County that talked to WTOL 11 shared their thoughts and support of Issue 30.
"I think it's a good idea. I'm a parent of two autistic kids, and I definitely use services that are provided to us because of it, so I think it's a good idea," said Bailey Warren, who lives in Toledo.
"No, definitely. That's OK to spend a little bit money in the taxes in order to make that money go towards the children," said Jono Ibbotson of Maumee.
Several others, who talked to us off camera, said they don't support the levy, saying they feel the services will stay the same and they don't want to pay the annual increases in taxes.
Milliken said he hopes that this a one-time levy and not a renewal going forward.