County Commissioners discuss childcare support pilot for all employees

Childcare support for DeKalb County employees took center stage at the OPS Committee meeting on March 18, 2025, as commissioners discussed the potential for a pilot program aimed at easing the financial burden of childcare. The conversation highlighted the need for inclusivity, suggesting that any childcare benefits should extend beyond just commissioners and their staff to encompass all county employees, particularly those working evenings and weekends.

Commissioner Terry emphasized the importance of addressing childcare costs, recalling personal experiences where annual expenses reached around $10,000 per child. She advocated for a broader approach, urging the committee to consider the needs of all employees, not just those in leadership roles. "If we're going to do an assessment, we need to be inclusive of everyone," she stated, reinforcing the idea that childcare concerns are universal among county staff.

The discussion also touched on the competitive landscape for attracting talent, with commissioners acknowledging that offering childcare support could be a significant draw for prospective employees. "We are in a competitive arms race for attracting employees," one commissioner noted, suggesting that the pilot program could help the county stand out as an employer of choice.

While the idea received general support, there were concerns about the optics of prioritizing benefits for commissioners over other staff. A motion was made to defer the proposal for four weeks to allow for further discussion and consideration of how to implement the program effectively across various departments, including public safety and sanitation.

As the meeting concluded, the committee recognized the potential impact of such a program on employee satisfaction and retention, setting the stage for a more inclusive approach to childcare support in DeKalb County. The anticipated outcomes of this pilot could reshape how the county supports its workforce, addressing a critical need for many employees.