The Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities celebrated during their Thursday evening meeting a direct support professional’s receipt of a statewide award — the Ohio Association of County Board’s first Direct Support Professional of the Year that will be presented to her at the OACB conference in Columbus during December.
Tangeala Bevins of Urbana was nominated by service support administrator Will Schmitter. In addition to serving Logan County clients, she also provides services for clients in Champaign and Miami counties.
“Tangeala is a fantastic provider who is always quick to answer a phone call, e-mail or text message to help a client,” Schmitter said. “My client Stan, whom she works with around 20 hours per week, absolutely adores her and it is the highlight of his day when she is there.
“On a day to day basis Tangeala is helping him cook, clean, do laundry, purchase items for his household, get his mail, coordinate doctor and dentist visits, pick up his spending money from his guardian, etc. She is an excellent support for Stan in those areas, but in many ways she has gone above and beyond to help him.”
Schmitter related that in one instance, the award winner searched online resources to locate a gently used Powerchair for Stan. After locating one in Marion, she then borrowed a friend’s vehicle to pick it up.
“Stan is now able to get out of his house and get around in the community more easily, as he struggles to walk long distances,” her nominator said.
Bevins also cleaned Stan’s residence and took care of his cat during the time that her client was out of the home receiving medical treatment. She completed these duties on unpaid natural support, Schmitter said.
The LCBDD Board also passed a resolution to recognize Superintendent Saul Bauer and the staff of Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities for their recent audits. The agency recently received no citations during the accreditation review and received a 5-star rating for Step Up to Quality
Because of these ratings, the agency will not be audited again for another three years.
“The LCBDD Board wants to recognize all the work done by this agency and their employees,” Board President Bonnie Versele said in a release. “They do a wonderful job and we want to congratulate them on these accomplishments and their dedication to the people they serve.”
Superintendent Bauer also shared highlights from RTC Industries Inc., including a new phone app called “Band” being utilized for mass communication for parents and teens. The app enables the leaders to create events for classes and teen recreation outings. Participants can make reservations and request transportation needs.
The app can also connect to their calendar on their phone as well as provide reminders.
The board also approved the 2020 budget that was presented by Business Director Lana Switzer. The 2019 year-end projections show that revenues exceeded expenses, allowing the board to operate in the black in 2019, which continues to be the trend since 2012.
The 2019 revenues are projected to be 1 percent higher than budgeted and 4 percent lower than 2018 actual revenues. Expenses are projected to be 12 percent lower than budgeted (excluding fund transfers) and 5 percent lower than 2018.
It is projected that 2020 expenses will exceed its revenues by approximately $459,925, which will create the need to utilize the funds sitting in reserves for the first time since 2011. However, the reserves are projected to sustain the agency’s operating fund until the year 2026, officials said.
Revenues for 2020 are projected to be 2 percent lower than 2019 budgeted, and expenses are projected to be 4 percent higher than budgeted.
In final board business, members reviewed and approved three new contracts with Midwest Regional Educational Service Center, a new building lease agreement, occupational therapy services and occupational therapy assistant services.
They also approved the renewal of the following contracts/agreements: United Way of Logan County, Live United at Work, LEA School Districts and LCBDD Preschool Services, and WestCON Annual Membership Services. The board approved revisions to the following policies: contact with news media/citizens, bulletin boards, service and support administration and Emergency Response System.
The finance committee will not meet in December. The next board meeting takes place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, in the board office conference room.