Montgomery County commissioners have directed $87 million in Human Services Levy Funds to two county agencies. The Board of Developmental Disabilities Services will receive $44 million, while Children Services gets $43 million.
Both agencies described pressure from rising costs and growing demand. According to the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services, families are seeking services earlier, adding to costs. Children Services reported fewer children in its care but higher placement expenses.
Commissioner Carolyn Rice framed the spending around access to services and support. County Administrator Michael Colbert said the goal was to let departments plan over the long term instead of facing a series of funding cliffs.
Craig Rickett, associate director of Children Services, said the agency must secure safe placements even when they are costly or hard to find. Kamarr Gage linked earlier service use by families to increased costs.
Voters renewed the levy last November. The funding is a multi-year investment extending through 2030.