By Cindi Andrews
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LEBANON - Warren County's full-to-overflowing Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities agency is wasting no time expanding its space since last month's successful levy vote.

County commissioners recently bought a building in Lebanon for MRDD that'll probably be used for day programs for severely disabled clients, Deputy Superintendent Mike Virelli said Monday. Those clients currently share space with less severely disabled clients in day and work programs at MRDD's Columbus Avenue building.

"We're outgrowing that particular facility," Mr. Virelli said.

The MRDD board met with commissioners last week to talk about when the board will repay the commissioners for the $1.1 million purchase. No decisions were made.

The building the commissioners bought in November, at 801 Drake Road, is now used by Urbancrest Southern Baptist Church. The congregation is building a larger church. The building is 16 years old and has almost 23,000 square feet.

"To duplicate that building in square footage today, you're probably talking about $6 million to $7 million," Commissioner Larry Crisenbery said.

MRDD also could be partnering with Mason soon to buy some state-owned land in that city. State Rep. Tom Raga, R-Deerfield Township, said he hopes to introduce legislation in early 2003 to allow the city and the county to buy a site on U.S. 42 near Snider Road.

Mr. Raga wants the city to build a handicap-accessible playground on part of the land and reserve the rest for future MRDD construction.

MRDD's costs have skyrocketed as its client population keeps pace with the general population in Ohio's second-fastest-growing county, officials say. The agency provides housing, jobs and education for mentally retarded adults and children.

Its proposed 2003 budget is $18 million before factoring in employee raises, Business Director Megan Manuel said - a 13 percent increase over this year. The agency laid off several employees this year before voters approved a 4-mill replacement levy Nov. 5.

E-mail candrews@enquirer.com