LUCAS COUNTY, Ohio — Voters in Lucas County overwhelmingly approved the renewal of Lucas County Children Services’ 1.8-mill property-tax levy supporting children-welfare services, with unofficial results showing about 64% in favor and 36% opposed. The renewal keeps the rate unchanged and allows the agency to continue funding critical programs without raising taxes.
LCCS Executive Director Randy Muth has said rising costs in foster care, placement services and child welfare have made the renewal critical. Muth has said the cost of raising children in the agency’s care has risen 77 percent over the past five years.
Because this is a renewal based on 2001 property values, homeowners will see no tax increase; the owner of a $100,000 home pays about $38.53 per year. If approved, the levy runs through 2030…