Greetings,

We hope everyone is doing well.

The Portage County Board agreed to ratify the Unit B (SSA Department) contract and the Memorandum of Understanding with the Maintenance/Transportation Department during the board meeting on August 19. Both contracts run through the end of 2029. Thank you to both groups for your hard work and collaboration.

The Ohio Association of County Boards (OACB) and the Ohio Association of County Board Superintendents have been in discussions with the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) regarding the financial challenges counties face in covering increased waiver cost matches. Currently, county boards cover about 36% of total waiver costs—amounting to roughly $12 million annually in Portage County alone.

DODD is actively collaborating with the Ohio Department of Medicaid to address these high costs and is holding preliminary discussions regarding the state potentially taking over the waiver match. They are also working alongside legislators and the governor to secure a long-term solution that ensures our system remains financially sustainable. We will keep everyone updated as developments unfold.

We will continue working together to identify ways to preserve essential services and deeply appreciate the trust and support the community has shown Portage DD. We remain committed to being responsible stewards of the levy funds entrusted to us by the residents of Portage County.

Believe in People,

Sincerely,

John Vennetti, Portage DD Superintendent