Columbiana BDD preparing for staff changes from privatization

Due to state mandates, the CCBDD will stop providing any direct services to the developmentally disabled in this county before the end of 2018. This will include busing. The CCBDD will only provide the funds for the care and training of those being served, known as the clients, while private companies provide the services.

Wednesday's, Superintendent Bill Devon asked the board to approve a plan to offer early retirement incentives for the CCBDD employees.

After the meeting, Devon suggested it is better to see the 17 people who currently meet requirements for retirement do so soon, giving those without enough time to receive retirement benefits additional time to reach the five-year vested threshold. The alternative, he suggested, is paying for unemployment benefits for some of those with less experience as the programs begin privatizing.

Devon said he was not entirely sure which was better financially for the board - paying the incentives to retire or paying unemployment benefits - suggesting the numbers were probably close.

Additionally, the contract with the Columbiana County Developmental Disabilities Employees Association (CCDDEA) is scheduled to expire on Dec. 31. That union, one of three utilized by employees of the CCBDD, covers teachers at Robert Bycroft, the workshops, bus drivers, clerical staff and janitors.

On Wednesday, the board voted to open negotiations with the CCDDEA. Devon said he expects to receive notification from the union prior to the next meeting requesting negotiations. The board also held a 19-minute executive session to discuss employment and compensation of employees.

Devon also asked the board to approve compliance with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities mandate for the CCBDD to report twice a year about the steps being taken to reduce the CCBDD's involvement in direct care and to help get more private providers involved instead. Devon said a report is due to the state by Oct. 1.

In other matters:

- Melody Allison was hired as Employment First coordinator manager.

- The board renewed membership in the State Cooperative Purchasing Program.

- The board approved the contract with Medicaid Consulting Group to prepare reports at a cost not to exceed $1,900. Devon said the same group has been doing this for the CCBDD since 1996.

- Devon announced the Ohio Department of Medicaid audit on Sept. 2 was successful, with the CCBDD 100 percent compliant and without citations for the sixth straight year. He credited the good audit to the work of Josh Martin and Krista Cox.

- Clients are being invited to the Harvest Festival on Friday and the End of Summer Bash on Oct. 5 at Richard's Farm.

- The board approved reimbursement of $244 to Martha Harrold, who had her eyeglasses damaged by a client.