The 2009 Children Services Levy

Most of Franklin County Children Services’ operating revenues come from two property tax levies generously passed by voters. One of the levies—a 3.15 mill levy passed in 1989 and again in 1999—expires at the end of 2009. The second—a 1.9 mill levy passed in 2004, expires at the end of 2014.

The 3.15 mill levy that expires at the end of 2009 provides more than one-third of the agency’s operating budget each year. It is needed to maintain the current level of critically important services that allow the agency to carry out its mission: Protecting Children by Strengthening Families.

In March, the agency’s Board asked the Franklin County Commissioners to place a 10-year, 3.1 mill replacement with reduction property tax levy on the November 2009 ballot. Without voter approval, the agency will lose more than $65 million a year and its ability to provide essential services will be threatened. Collections would begin in January 2010, and would cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $28.48 a year. The 3.10 mill levy will appear as Issue 4 on the ballot.

The Commissioners asked the Franklin County Human Services Levy Review Committee to conduct an extensive study of the request. In July, the Committee recommended that the Commissioners accept the proposed levy and place the issue on the November 3 ballot. Commissioners took action at their August meeting and filed the issue with the Board of Elections.

According to Executive Director Eric Fenner, “The Franklin County Children Services Board and I realize that the 3.10 mill replacement with reduction levy may not fully meet all of the agency’s needs. Yet, we are committed to make any adjustments that are required to live within the income that will be generated from this levy. We are determined to efficiently manage the agency and to provide effective, high-quality services to families and children without coming back to voters until the next levy expires at the end of 2014.” Read more in the Levy Book here.