A decision regarding our property tax levy

The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities has voluntarily requested for the Butler County Auditor, Roger Reynolds and the Butler County Commissioners to reduce the Board’s levy collection for the taxes paid in 2021. The reduction will save homeowners across the county an average of $17.50 annually per homes valued at $100,000 and will reduce the amount collected by the Board in 2021 by $3.6 million. This half mill reduction comes from the 2.0 mill continuing levy passed in 2000.

“It has been 20 years since this levy was replaced,” said Lisa Guliano, Superintendent of the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. “Now 20 years later, due to our stable financial position, we’re actually able to reduce costs for homeowners.”

“Our agency has grown substantially in the number of people with developmental disabilities for whom we coordinate and provide services,” she said. “Those services are our utmost priority. At the same time, we recognize the importance of keeping a balanced budget while striving to be good stewards of tax dollars.”

Guliano said, “Even as we have continued to increase the quality and quantity of available services for people in Butler County, our carryover balance has grown. We are so appreciative of the support of the Butler County taxpayers for our levy, and we have no desire to tax them beyond our need. This will be a year-to-year decision that is made based upon our budget projections, service needs and carryover balance.”

Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds said, “I appreciate the forethought and fiscal stewardship of the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Their willingness to request this voluntary rollback shows their respect for Butler County taxpayers. I am in agreement with this rollback and the fact that this is a year-to-year decision, based on their financial forecast and carryover balance.”