BODD Board Reviews Report Projecting Depletion of Funds
in 12 to 18 Months If Property Taxes Were Abolished
Board of Developmental Disabilities (BODD) Meeting - February 18, 2026
Meeting Details: The Board of Developmental Disabilities held a Regular Meeting at 6:00 pm on February 18, 2026 in the Administration Board Room at the Metzenbaum Center at 8200 Cedar Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026. Virtual access was available via Zoom, and the agenda and board materials were provided in advance. For virtual meeting information contact Kellie Tvergyak-Oznowich at ktvergyako@geaugadd.org. This Observer attended in person.
Public Comment: The Board of Developmental Disabilities has a written public comment policy, first approved by BODD in 2001, and most recently reviewed by the board in October 2023. See policy here.
Board Attendance:
Developmental Disabilities Staff:
-
Don Rice - Superintendent
-
Dave Carlson - Assistant Superintendent
-
Tami Setlock - Support and Service Administration
-
Richelle Mills - Transportation and Business Coordinator (via video)
-
Megan Thirion - Employment First
-
Meredith Myers - Early Intervention
-
Kellie Tvergyak-Oznowich - Administrative Assistant
Others Present:
Ethics Council Meeting was convened at 6:00 pm with members Mr. Lair and Mr. Welty present. Ms. Keiper was absent due to illness.
The Council approved minutes from its meeting on November 19, 2025.
The Council approved direct services agreements for the following:
-
Inna Gertsburg for an amount not to exceed $16,000 for non-medical transportation (NMT) services for her son.
-
Tiffany DiFranco for an amount not to exceed $2,500 for homemaker/personal care (HPC) services for her sibling.
Mr. Carlson informed the Ethics Council the contracts met legal requirements and aligned with standard service rates.
The Ethics Council meeting was adjourned at 6:04 pm.
The Board meeting was called to order at 6:04 pm by Mr. Lair.
Minutes: Minutes for the January 21, 2025 Board Meeting were approved without edits. Minutes can be found on the BODD website here.
The Board took the following actions:
APPROVED - The Board reviewed the January financial report. Mr. Carlson highlighted a significant revenue increase due to a federal grant settlement related to the 2022 cost report, which had been anticipated and budgeted. Expenses were described as typical for the start of the year, with spending levels consistent with projections. The Board approved financial transactions, purchase orders, and payment vouchers.
APPROVED - The Board approved recommendations from the Ethics Council, including two direct service contracts previously reviewed by the Ethics Council above:
APPROVED - A grant of up to $3,500 to the Metzenbaum Foundation for the free Community Carnival held to support developmental disabilities awareness.
APPROVED - An addendum to a locally funded service agreement to increase authorized services due to higher utilization.
APPROVED - Disposal of outdated and unusable technology assets.
The Board received the following status and program reports:
Major Unusual Incidents (MUIs)
Population & Residential Services:
-
Mr. Rice highlighted that a total of 1,041 people were served in January. Ms. Setlock explained that a revised population reporting method increased the “served” count by including individuals being serviced but still in the process of gaining eligibility.
-
Residential waiver waiting list was at 6, a decrease at the start of the year due to new allocations becoming available.
Employment & HR Updates:
Program updates included early intervention caseloads for 122 children in January and ongoing transportation support for individuals accessing work and services.
The Board discussed the following issues:
Annual Board training topics and scheduling: Mr. Rice asked the Board what topics they would like included in the upcoming Board training sessions. The topics the Board mentioned included:
-
Funding sources and revenue streams
-
Levy communication strategies
-
Employment outcomes and partnerships
-
Historical shifts from agency-run schools to public school partnerships
The planned sessions include:
-
March 2026 - Overview of agency programs and services
-
May 2026 - Medicaid waivers and waiting lists
-
July 2026 - Historical overview of BODD services and system changes
-
September 2026 - Budget training
-
November 2026 - Annual plan review
Observer Note: These Board training sessions are a part of the regular public meetings. Anyone from the public who wants to attend may.
Future status and program reports: Mr. Rice asked the Board what data they would like to see included in future status and program reports. Members generally supported maintaining detailed contextual information, particularly around residential services and employment. For incident reporting, members expressed interest in highlighting unusual or high-profile events rather than routine occurrences.
Public information sheet: Mr. Rice shared a public information sheet summarizing BODD service reach, including:
-
Over 1,200 individuals served annually
-
Employment partnerships with local businesses
-
Residential and early intervention service levels
A detailed discussion followed regarding the historical transition away from operating a BODD school and the current model of supporting public school placements through funding partnerships.
Property tax impact report: The Board reviewed materials related to potential elimination of property taxes and its impact on levy-funded services. Mr. Rice emphasized that property tax revenue comprises the vast majority of agency funding, and elimination without replacement would severely affect services within 12–18 months. Board members discussed broader economic and family impacts, including workforce effects and service disruptions.
This Observer announced upcoming public education sessions addressing property tax issues and local funding impacts. These sessions are jointly sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Geauga, the Geauga County Auditor’s Office and the Geauga County Public Library. Information flyers about the events were provided to the Board members. Observer Note: Registration is required for these events which are scheduled as follows:
-
February 25, 2026 - Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH. There are no seats available for this event.
-
March 10, 2026 - Geauga County Office Building, 12611 Ravenwood Dr., Chardon, OH
-
April 7, 2026 - Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St., Middlefield, OH
General Announcements:
-
A thank you note was received from the Geauga County Library Foundation for $6,000. Observer Note: See the April 16, 2025 BODD Observer Report where the donation to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library was approved by BODD.
Other Business/Comment: Mr. Lair asked if there were any comments from the floor. There were none.
Executive Session: The Board entered executive session pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(1) to consider the employment of a public employee. Mr. Rice said there would be no action taken.
The regular meeting adjourned at approximately 7:04 pm.
The next BODD meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2026 at 6:00 pm.
Minutes when posted are available here: Board Minute Summaries|Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Observer: Carol Benton
Editor: Gail Roussey
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Submitted: February 22, 2026
The League of Women Voters of Geauga is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. They do not support or oppose individual candidates or parties. Learn more about the LWVG at www.lwvgeauga.org.