Children Services asks the Auditor to calculate revenue for 0.3‑mill levy amid 185% placement cost increase

Lorain County Children Services asked the Board of Commissioners to request certification from the county Auditor for revenue that would be generated by a proposed 0.3‑mill levy to be placed on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot. The resolution (No. 26‑249) requests certification under Ohio Revised Code Section 5705.03 for a five‑year levy beginning in 2027 if approved.

Kristen Fox‑Berki, Executive Director of Lorain County Children Services, described sharp increases in placement costs that have strained the agency budget. "From 2021 to 2025 these costs increase 185% and is not just our county issue it is across the state experiencing this hardship," she said, and noted that 52% of the department's budget is funded by the existing levy. Fox‑Berki said higher placement per‑diems and out‑of‑county placements mean the department must seek additional local revenue to sustain services. The Board voted to request the Auditor certify the levy revenue; the adoption was unanimous.