The City of Dayton is planning to cut funding for the Dayton Ombudsman’s Office in its 2022 budget.
The office was established in 1971 to advocate for citizens and investigate local government agencies. Last week, the Ombudsman’s office reported that it helped people get food stamps and rental assistance, as well as helping a public housing tenant who had gunshots come through her window. The ombudsman also represented several senior citizens who are being discharged from their nursing homes against their will.
Dayton Ombudsman Diane Welborn came to the city commission meeting on Wednesday. She choked up as she requested that the city continue supporting the office.
“Without an independent agency to advocate for citizens who have legitimate complaints, vulnerable citizens suffer the most,” said Welborn
Dayton City Manager Shelly Dicktstein says the cut is needed for the city to handle economic strain from the pandemic.
The city will refer conflicts and disputes formerly handled by the Ombudsman to the Dayton Mediation Center.