Episode 59 - Dan Ottke - Board of Developmental Disabilities Levy

Ep. 59 — Dan Ottke on Developmental Disabilities, Local Services, and the May Levy  We start this week with some news from around the county including Mike Gardner’s guilty plea and the new Batavia Village council vacancy, the Olivewood Park development in Batavia Township, a proposed new coordinated development district to replace the old planned development framework, major redevelopment concepts in Milford, electric aggregation changes and zoning debates in Loveland, a zoning commission opening in Pierce Township, transportation changes in West Clermont, and a handful of updates out of New Richmond. Interview — Dan Ottke, Superintendent of the Clermont County Board of Developmental DisabilitiesDan Ottke joins us to talk about what the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities does, who it serves, and why those services matter across the county. We discuss everything from early intervention for children ages birth to three, to school-age programming at Wildey School, to adult services, employment support, family assistance, Medicaid waivers, and the county’s broader provider network. We also talk about the Board’s levy request and the financial pressure behind it. Dan explains how the DD system is funded, why fixed levies gradually lose ground over time, how Medicaid waiver match costs have climbed, and what the proposed 0.75 mill additional levy would mean for county residents. We also talk about workforce shortages, increasing service demand, the importance of local support for families navigating developmental disabilities, and why the Board says this levy is about maintaining service levels and planning responsibly for the future. News  Mike Gardner pleads guilty to disorderly conduct and Batavia Village posts a council vacancy notice  Construction begins on Olivewood Park in Batavia Township  Batavia Township advances a proposed new Article 50 coordinated development district  Milford unveils early downtown and riverfront redevelopment concepts  Loveland pauses its electric aggregation program and continues debate over short-term rentals and infill rules  Pierce Township seeks a volunteer for its zoning commission  West Clermont discusses transportation changes and ongoing financial pressure  New Richmond shares utility, park, and dumpster-day updates Events mentioned at the end of the show Used Book Sale at the Goshen Branch Library  Spring River Paddle at Chilo Lock 34  Museum Opening Day at Chilo Lock 34 Park and River History Museum  Dig It Garden Club at the Union Township Library  Earth Month Family Tree Planting  Fossils Are Fantastic at the Miami Township Library  Birds and Blooms Hike at Keehley Nature Preserve  Homeschool Discovery Days: Ancient Oceans at Sycamore Park  Forage Tea Time and Hike: Common Blue Violets  Growing Fungi Workshop at Klingman Park Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.FacebookInstagramNewsletterIf the show brings you value, consider supporting us!Donate