Each year, Franklin County Children Services helps more than 30,000 abused and neglected children; it also offers services and supports to thousands of troubled families throughout Franklin County. Approximately 67 percent of the agency’s operations are funded by two property tax levies, a 3.1 mill levy and a 1.9 mill levy.
One of the two, a 3.1 mill levy, approved by the county voters in 2009, expires at the end of 2019. Without a continuation of this levy, which generated more than 42 percent of the FCCS operating budget in 2018, Children Services will not be able to provide vitally needed services to abused and neglected children and their families.
Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano certified the estimated property tax revenue from the 10-year, 3.1 mill RENEWAL levy, Issue 10, which will appear on the November 5, 2019 General Election ballot. The 3.1-mill issue is expected to generate more than $85.6 million annually. The levy costs property owners about $84.50 per $100,000 in valuation, and that would not change if voters agree to renewal of the levy.
This levy, Issue 10, will not increase taxes. Please download this PDF to learn more.
The major challenge facing Franklin County Children Services—like all child welfare agencies—is to serve without delay every child who needs protection or care and yet maintain a high degree of accountability and fiscal discipline. The approval of a property tax levy brings a great responsibility and FCCS continues to honor the trust given by the community for more than 50 years. The knowledge of this responsibility serves as a foundation to the financial management of the organization. Decisions are made with a balanced focus on child protection and fiscal accountability.
Please select this link to learn more and to read a message from Chip M. Spinning, the organization's executive director.