From our superintendent
Levy planned for May 2026
Today our Butler County Commissioners passed a resolution declaring the necessity for a 2.0-mill property tax levy for the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. We will be on the ballot on May 5, 2026. The commissioner's chambers was so full of supporters they had to bring in additional chairs and still, it was standing room only!
Those who joined me in the audience understood the incredible need this fills. We are asking for additional funds - not to expand our services but simply to sustain them. We have operated on the same revenue for over 21 years. Through the span of those two decades, we have taken every step possible to stretch local dollars. We transitioned day program services to community providers, consolidated facilities, reduced our workforce, and even returned $7.2 million to taxpayers at the request of county officials during the pandemic. However, we have now reached the point where further reductions would directly impact the safety, health, and well-being of those we serve.
The 2.0-mill levy would generate $26.4 million annually and would cost $70 annually per property valued at $100,000 or roughly $5.83/month. This would stabilize operations and sustain existing programs, including early intervention, residential supports, employment services, transportation, and family supports.
We take very seriously the responsibility that comes with public funding. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring that every dollar directly supports people in our community.
Lee Ann Emmons | Superintendent
Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities
www.butlerdd.org | 513-785-2807| laemmons@butlerdd.org
| | |
Understanding our finances
On Thursday, September 11, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD, the Board) passed a resolution declaring the Board to be in a state of fiscal emergency due to the fact that our projected expenses will far exceed our local tax collection for the first quarter of 2027.
It’s important to understand three key factors: How we did we get here? What are we doing now? And what do we need to do? Click here to continue reading.
| |
Breakfast With Santa
The sold-out Breakfast with Santa event, held once again by the Fairfield Optimist Club, allowed those we serve to enjoy quality time with Santa, snap a festive photo, and enjoy a delicious hot breakfast.
Community Connections Coordinator Jenny Mann said, "It was incredible being able to enjoy a delicious breakfast while visiting with the individuals we serve and their friends and family! Those who attended loved talking with Santa and getting their picture with him! It was a wonderful morning, and everyone is now officially ready for Christmas! Thank you to the Fairfield Optimist Club for providing such a fun morning!"
| |
#GIVEBACK
This Thanksgiving, we were grateful for the opportunity to partner with several organizations to give back to our community!
We partnered with the Fairfield Church of God, and they donated, while we distributed over 50 Thanksgiving meals with all the fixings and a gift card to purchase a turkey. We held a staff food drive in support of New Life Mission and collected enough food items to fill a large donation barrel plus more! The #Hamilturkey program fed countless families throughout greater Hamilton, including about 60 families supported by us. Our staff identified those in need and delivered these feasts over the Thanksgiving holiday!
Thank you to the Fairfield Church of God, the BCBDD staff, and the #Hamilturkey program for helping those we serve get the Thanksgiving they deserve!
| |
Hope brought to many this holiday season
This year, we once again invited individuals and businesses to help bring holiday cheer to individuals and families with developmental disabilities who might otherwise go without gifts. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the incredible generosity shown by all those who sponsored families. The support means so much to all of us at Butler County Developmental Disabilities and, most importantly, to the individuals and families whose lives have been brightened through kindness.
This holiday season, 368 individuals in our community will have received holiday gifts and a $25 gift card to help cover the cost of a Christmas meal or other essential needs.
Whether those who sponsored a family offered gift cards or supported the effort in another way, each contribution helped create moments of joy and connection. For many recipients, these gifts served as a reminder that they are seen, cared for, and valued. Each time we picked up donations or welcomed community members dropping them off, we were moved by the warmth and enthusiasm of everyone involved. The smiles we saw and the gratitude we heard were beautiful reflections of the joy your generosity brings to others. Thank you all so much for being a bright light in our community!
| |
Seeking Board Member
The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities is seeking to fill one vacant position on the Board with a term that will begin on January 1, 2026. The volunteer position will be appointed by the Butler County Commissioners to a 4-year term.
Continue Reading ...
| |
Courtney Explains It All: DD Employment Awareness Month
In Courtney Hineman’s latest vlog episode, she interviews advocate Morgan Gattermeyer about her experience working for Inspiration Studios for the past 10 years.
Watch the episode...
| |
The Heart Behind the Golden Arches
If you’ve ever walked into the Boymel Drive McDonald’s in Fairfield, Ohio, on a busy weekend and been greeted with a cheerful “Good morning!” there’s a good chance you’ve met Todd Frasher.
Todd joined the McDonald’s team in July 2022 as a Guest Experience Leader, a title that couldn’t be more fitting.
Continue Reading...
| | |
October DSP: Temar Merriweather
Temar has worked as a DSP for nearly 4 years for TRH Solutions, LLC.
Inspired by her own family’s experience with disability, Temar chose work where she could give others the same care and support she would want for her own children.
“Being a DSP gives me purpose and fulfillment. It’s not always easy, but it’s always rewarding. You get to be part of someone’s growth and journey, that’s a gift.”
Read more about Temar...
| |
November DSP: Skyelar Hatmaker
Skyelar has been a DSP at Blessed Homecare for nearly 11 months and is also a social work student at Miami University.
Lisa Spicer, Director of Operations at Blessed Homecare, said, “Skyelar had never done this type of work before and is a true natural. She helps individuals live their best lives and discover new experiences they enjoy. She is definitely a Blessed Homecare ‘blessing!’”
Read more about Skyelar...
| |
December DSP: Bella Salemi
Bella currently supports individuals through Assurance Care LLC, where she has worked as a DSP for two years.
“I enjoy caring for people and helping them improve their daily lives,” Bella said. “As a DSP, I can help someone live better every day. It is meaningful work. If someone likes helping others and wants a job that makes a difference, being a DSP is a great choice.”
Read more about Bella...
| | Employee Shoutout Spotlight | | |
SSA II, Michelle Reed said:
"Margery effectively and positively communicated with Brandon, an individual we serve, as well as with Brandon's staff and his SSA. She listened to what each person had to say and offered suggestions to best support Brandon. She was very timely and provided several visual supports!"
SSA, Mary Hils said:
"Lisa is a great asset to the families and children on my caseload. She has great ideas, works hard with families and staff so that the child has the support they need for positive outcomes. She brings lived experience to the teams she serves and has a unique ability to understand complex behavior and how to help."
| |  | |
Superintendent Lee Ann Emmons said:
"As a member of the Wellness Committee, Lynne sought out volunteers and organized a Financial Wellness Workshop for all staff. Lynne is a very solution-focused employee. When she observes an issue or problem that needs to be addressed, she jumps right in to start problem-solving. She recognized that there are financial stressors that employees face in today’s economy, and with the Board’s limited resources, took the initiative to organize this Financial Wellness Workshop, including recruiting volunteers from the financial community to be a free resource. Lynne’s care and thoughtfulness of her co-workers is unmatched!"
| | | |
Superintendent Lee Ann Emmons said:
"Jeff is always quick to respond when there's a safety concern or issue in the building, and he always picks up the phone—no matter what time it is—to make sure things get taken care of. Most recently, Jeff went above and beyond helping a non-profit provider whose AC went out during the July heatwave. That kind of support really shows how committed he is to working with our providers and looking out for the health and safety of the people we serve."
| | | |
Speak Up Self Advocates Group
Tuesday, December 16, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Join our advocacy group, Speak Up! Everyone can be a self-advocate! Meetings occur once a month at the Janet Clemmons Center and are focused on ways to advocate for yourself and your community.
Learn more.
| | | | |
Provider Office Hours
Thursday, January 8, from 10 - 11 a.m.
The Butler County Board of DD will be holding trainings/office hours for currently certified providers at the Janet Clemmons Center. All sessions will take place in Conference Room A. Sessions held on Tuesdays will focus on MUIs and other general questions, and Thursdays will focus on documentation and compliance. Learn more about our Provider Office Hours.
| | | | |
Board Meeting
Thursday, January 8, from 6 - 8 p.m.
Our regularly scheduled board meeting is at the Janet Clemmons Center at 282 N. Fair Avenue, Hamilton, OH 45013. If you would like to address the board, please contact Pam Bowling at pmbowling@butlerdd.org.
Learn more about our board.
| | | | |
Ice Skating With The Miami RedHawks
Sunday, February 8 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Join the Miami RedHawks on the ice for an afternoon full of fun! On Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., the Miami RedHawks will be at the Miami Goggin Ice Center on the rink, ready to ice skate with attendees! All abilities are welcome, including those with wheelchairs! It is suggested that those who RSVP should arrive by 1:15 p.m. so that they can have plenty of time to purchase skates and put them on. Skate rental is $2.50 and can only be purchased by credit card at the Goggin Ice Center counter. Every person skating, including guardians and staff who will be assisting any individuals on and off the ice, must sign up. If an individual is not capable/comfortable being on the ice alone, then a guardian/staff member will need to be on the ice with the individual. This also includes helping to get on/off the ice safely. Use the QR code to register or use our website link! The registration deadline is Friday, January 30, 2026.
| | | | | |
