Morning Briefing | Payout learned for former local superintendent and CEO

We now know the deal that the former leader of the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services received to leave the organization.

Today in the Morning Briefing, we take a look at what’s in the package and more about the organization. We also tell you about new powers that could be coming to Ohio’s attorney general.

If you have thoughts or feedback on this newsletter or other news tips, please let me know at Kyle.Nagel@coxinc.com.

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The newsletter should take about 3 minutes, 31 seconds to read.

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Developmental Disabilities board paying CEO $400K to resign

The Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services (MCBDDS) will pay out roughly $400,000 to its former superintendent and CEO following her resignation this month.

• The resignation: Former superintendent Pamela Combs announced her resignation at an emergency meeting in late November, citing the hope that Montgomery County leadership could better work with MCBDDS to address its financial challenges.

• Financial struggles: An $8.9 million budget shortfall this year led the agency to weigh layoffs and service reductions to developmentally disabled adults.

• What they’re saying: 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.

Ohio on cusp of granting AG Dave Yost new power to reject citizen amendments

Finishing touches are all that’s left on an Ohio bill that would expand state Attorney General Dave Yost’s power by giving his office the authority to reject citizen ballot initiatives based on their title.

• What it would do: The bill would require the attorney general to assess whether a statewide ballot initiative’s title is a fair and truthful reflection of the proposal before petitioners can begin gathering signatures.

• What to know about timing: This comes months after Ohio’s top court found he overstepped his authority when denying a voting-rights bill based on its title earlier this year.

• What they’re saying: “It’s like a lot of things, why would you give it a bad title? If you want to sell a book, you want to give it a good title. If legislators want their bill passed, they’ll usually name it after somebody and talk about good things.” — Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima.

What to know today

• One big takeaway: The city of Xenia has formally broken ground on a long-awaited, $140 million downtown development that aims to bring a vibrant retail, restaurant, and residential center to the heart of the city.

• Closure of the day: Another Frisch’s Big Boy location has closed its doors in the Dayton region, this one across the street from Wright State.

• Tip of the day: The Neon is trying to raise $30,000 to enhance the viewing experience for 2025 in both auditoriums. For more information or to donate visit neonmovies.com or send an email to theneon@msn.com.

• Quote of the day: “The first thing I think of are the many great teams that came so close and fell just short. I’m really so grateful for all the great players who came through this program and paved the way for us.” — University of Dayton volleyball coach Tim Horsmon, whose team faces five-time NCAA champion Nebraska in the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16 tonight.

• Stat of the day: More than 1,100. That’s how many undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees the University of Dayton will hand out at graduation on Saturday.

• Photo of the day: The Oregon Historic District’s Grand Holiday Tour of Homes returned from a one-year hiatus on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8. Photographer Tom Gilliam was there to capture visuals of the impressive homes.