Friends of Citizens with Disabilities

06/05/2026

Be proud of this effort! 👏👏👏

Dear Butler County Community,

Yesterday, Butler County voters made a commitment to their community by approving a 2.0 mill continuous property tax levy to support the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. We are proud to move forward, honoring that commitment by enabling the best possible outcomes for those we support while remaining fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars. The passage of the levy provides a path forward at a critical time for Butler DD. This outcome is a result of the hard work, advocacy, and commitment of many individuals, families, and community members.

When we declared fiscal emergency in September, we immediately took steps to improve that situation, including a reduction in staff and cuts to some services and supports. Those changes were necessary to stabilize the organization, but they also came with real impacts for individuals, families, and employees. While this levy creates stability, recovery from the fiscal emergency will take time. Because of this, we will not be able to immediately restore operations to a pre-fiscal emergency level.

Thanks to the passage of the levy, coupled with our cost savings measures, we are now forecasting a fiscally stabilized future. This ensures the continuation of essential services, strengthens our ability to meet growing needs, and provides a more reliable foundation for the future. At the same time, we recognize that we are entering a new, leaner approach to operations. We will need to adjust as we define what our “new normal” looks like.

We intend to use these resources carefully, communicate openly about how funds are allocated, and demonstrate measurable outcomes for the people we serve. That includes maintaining core services, rebuilding where appropriate, and making thoughtful investments that improve access, quality, and long-term stability.

Patience will be important as this work unfolds. We are committed to moving forward deliberately and transparently, with a continued focus on the individuals and families who rely on these supports every day.

Sincerely,
Lee Ann Emmons
Superintendent

06/05/2026

Thank you!!!! Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this a reality! And thank you to Butler County voters for making a commitment to your neighbors with Developmental Disabilities!

05/05/2026

We'll be holding our watch party tonight at Liberty Collective starting at 7:00. Please come out and join us!!

It’s a fiesta at Liberty Collective 🇲🇽🎉

Join us TODAY for a Cinco de Mayo celebration + Taco Tuesday you don’t want to miss 🌮🍹

🔥 Taco Tuesday specials at Roberto & Miguel’s
🍕 Mexican Pizza feature at Ramundo’s Pizza Famiglia
🍻 Cold drinks, great vibes, and the perfect excuse to keep the party going

Grab your crew and make a night of it—because Cinco de Mayo on a Tuesday? That’s a win.

¡Nos vemos at Liberty Collective! 💃🕺

05/05/2026

We still need volunteers at a few polling locations from 4 - 7:

BUTLER TECH on Hamilton Middletown Road

Independence Elementary in Middletown

Mayfield Elementary in Middletown

Central Academy in Middletown

If you can help, sign up here:

You'll be the final touchpoint with voters as they enter their polling location. You will stand 100 ft from the entrance and greet voters as they enter and offer a sticker as they leave.

05/05/2026

We're getting questions about why we're running a continuous levy. Here's an easy response you can give:

It is a continuous levy which means it's a fixed rate and you will never pay more than you are agreeing to today. We chose continuous because the people we support have lifelong needs. It's also important to note ... continuous isn't the same as permanent. Voters can repeal it through a referendum if they ever choose to.

If you run into any other frequently asked questions, let us know so we can get talking points out to other poll workers.

Thanks!

04/05/2026

We still need help volunteer at the polling locations. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044BA8A923A5FFC61-63376149-poll #/

If you have signed up for a morning shift, you can pick up materials TODAY at the BCESC parking lot at 5:00 p.m.

Keep in mind, tomorrow's weather might be rainy. Dress appropriately!

Join us afterward as we watch the results. We'll be at Liberty Collective starting at 7:00 p.m.

03/05/2026

An opposition group is mailing Butler County households and is hoping you don’t understand what “continuous” actually means.

It means the rate is FIXED. It cannot go up. Not next year. Not in ten years. Not ever.

A continuous levy is a locked rate that provides stable, predictable funding for people with developmental disabilities in Butler County. The same neighbors who depend on these services to live, work, and be part of our community every single day.

When Citizens PAC calls that “bad business,” ask yourself: who exactly are they looking out for?
Vote FOR issue #3 on May 5th.

03/05/2026

Today is the last day for early voting! You can still vote today until 5:00pm at the Butler County Board of Elections. Your vote is so important to pass this critical issue for our community. 💙

01/05/2026

If you ordered a t-shirt, they are available for pick-up at Inspiration Studios today until 7:00 p.m.

Send a message to learn more