An $8.9 million budget shortfall this year led the agency to weigh layoffs and service reductions to developmentally disabled adults; those decisions were impacted by $5 million in emergency assistance from the county.
MCBDDS leaders in a statement Thursday said the board recognizes the “significance” of the amount, but the settlement is less than the remaining portion of Combs’ contract. According to payroll records compiled by the Dayton Daily News, Combs earned $213,207 in 2023.
“Additionally, Dr. Combs’ earnings were aligned with similar metropolitan county board superintendents and CEOs statewide,” according to Stephen Fortson, the president of the MCBDDS.
Combs joined the MCBDDS as its superintendent in June 2019. Kamarr Gage, the former assistant superintendent and deputy CEO, is now serving as the board’s interim superintendent and CEO.
The severance payments cover a $190,008 partial buy-out for Combs’ contract, which was valid through June 2027. Also included is a $210,000 payment for releasing any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, according to records obtained by Dayton Daily News.
Montgomery County spokesperson Kevin Lavoie declined to comment on specific details of the settlement agreement. He noted Montgomery County commissioners do not approve Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services’ settlements.
“It became apparent that a change in leadership was necessary to strengthen relationships within the county and foster a new chapter for the agency. We also want to express our gratitude for Dr. Combs’ contributions,” Fortson said.
The MCBDDS has faced budgetary challenges for several years, declaring a fiscal emergency in 2023 and announcing budget cuts this year.
MCBDDS officials cited an increase in the number of clients served, higher costs to deliver services, an increase in state and federal mandates, and revenue losses as factors contributing to the agency’s financial challenges. Clients served by the MCBDDS receive services throughout the entire span of their lives.
Montgomery County leaders have awarded the MCBDDS $17 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in recent years. After a plan to cut $8.9 million in programming and personnel costs was announced in October by the MCBDDS, the Montgomery County commission and the Human Services Levy Council approved $5 million in emergency, one-time funds for 2025.
Jennifer Corcoran, a Montgomery County mother of a son with developmental disabilities, has advocated for families on the state and local levels. She and her son Matthew have attended several recent Montgomery County commission meetings to talk about the need for solutions surrounding budget shortfalls for the MCBDDS.
She said she wasn’t aware of the settlement, but she and other families felt heard by Combs during her time as superintendent.
“She is a very open person, who listens,” she said. “She was a problem solver. She does it in a way that was so calm. She has created a true environment of trust, and for us, that’s very important. I always felt like she had our backs.”
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