Logan County voters showed strong support of the Logan County Children’s Services’ 2.15-mill renewal levy in Tuesday’s general election, Nov. 5.
Voters approved the levy 12,839 votes to 9,539 votes, according to unofficial results.
LCCS Executive Director Erica James expressed her gratitude Tuesday evening on the levy’s successful outcome.
“We’re so very appreciative of all of the community’s support and the levy committee for their hard work in getting the word out about the importance of the levy.
“I believe our staff will feel really uplifted and hopeful when I share the news with them. They’ll know that their work in the community is noticed and valued.
“The levy isn’t the end result, but we will keep serving and partnering with other agencies in the community for the well-being of our children. It helps bolster us forward and gives us a big sigh of relief.”
The five-year levy will generate approximately $2.6 million per year for general operating expenses of LCCS. The 2.15 mills amounts to $75 for each $100,000 of the Logan County Auditor’s appraised value of property.
In the spring, LCCS proposed a replacement levy on the March Primary Election, which was narrowly defeated by eight votes.
James previously noted that much of the levy funding is utilized by children’s services for purchased care costs, which involves residential care, foster care and group home expenses.
“It’s our biggest expense and serves our most vulnerable and highest-need kids,” said James, a Logan County native who began her career as a child welfare worker at LCCS for six years.
For instance, the executive director noted that for some high-need youths, the cost for care can run between $600-$1,000 a day.
While some children who are in agency custody are eligible for IV-E funding (and then also federal and state funds to pay for purchased care), there are many youths who fall outside of the eligibility guidelines for IV-E funds and local funding must be utilized for purchased care for these children, James said.
In addition, levy funds are utilized for drug screening costs for families served; along with psychological assessments that are ordered; food and other supplies to meet a child’s needs in an emergency situation; and local contracts, including with Logan County Family Treatment Court, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office for a deputy on duty for 25 hours a week, the Logan County Prosecutor’s Office for legal services and as a funding member of the Logan County Family and Children First Council.