As of Oct. 28, 2026, Marion County voters face a decision on a renewal levy for the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD), according to a Marion County Now podcast segment featuring resident Karime Hord. Hord appeared with host Randy Bigley on the Community Spotlight program and described how the agency serves her family and others.
Hord said her 13-year-old son has profound autism. She credited MCBDD with connecting the family to a social worker who helped obtain and pay for an enclosed safety sleeper bed. According to Hord, the bed keeps her son from wandering at night and lets the household rest. She also said the board provides nutritional support for children with sensory needs, family support groups, community events such as an annual prom and kickball, and adult day habilitation and employment services.
On the levy, Hord characterized the ballot measure as a renewal rather than a new tax. She said all proceeds stay in Marion County and that existing tax rates would not increase.
Hord said roughly 1,000 other individuals receive services, with more than 4,000 residents affected when family members and caregivers are counted. She warned that failure of the renewal could lead to severe reductions in transportation, employment opportunities and social connections for adults with developmental disabilities. Residents with questions are directed to MCBDD Community Relations Director Nikki Workman or the board’s website and social media.