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Ithaca council approves funding for rostered nurse at GIAC after staff says it’s cheaper than per-diem hires
Summary
The Common Council unanimously approved funding for a permanent rostered nurse position at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) to meet OCFS medication-administration requirements after staff presented cost comparisons showing the rostered role is less expensive than continued per‑diem coverage.
The Ithaca Common Council on Sept. 17 approved funding for a permanent rostered nursing position at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), citing new medical needs among program participants and state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations that require a licensed professional to administer certain medications in child-care settings. The resolution carried unanimously.
Council members and staff explained the request grew out of GIAC’s operational changes in summer 2025 and the emergence of youth participants with medical needs, including insulin administration and seizure management. City staff said GIAC used seasonal, per‑diem coverage during summer operations but requested approval to fund a part‑time rostered nurse for the regular program year.
The council heard a brief cost comparison from GIAC staff. According to the figures presented, a part‑time rostered position paid at the program’s established rate would produce an estimated annual total cost of about $38,376 including benefits. By contrast, continued reliance on higher per‑diem rates — which staff said can approach $35–$50 an hour in the local market — produced a higher annualized cost estimate (presented as up to roughly $46,800 without benefits). Staff told the council benefits add roughly 40% to base salary but that offering a rostered position at the program’s established rate would make recruitment easier than hiring higher‑paid per‑diem clinicians.
Council members asked operational questions about hours and legal limits. Staff said the nurse is needed while the after‑school program operates Monday through Friday and that the requested funding would cover a position scheduled for 5 hours per day (about 20 hours per week). Staff also said the Youth Bureau already maintains similar positions and services, but GIAC’s recent enrollment includes children with new medical needs that require a licensed clinician to be present.
After discussion, the council approved the measure. The council vote was announced as unanimous. The resolution authorizes the requested rostered nursing position at GIAC to comply with OCFS requirements and meet the described medical needs during program hours.
Council members and staff said they would include any additional budget detail in follow‑up materials; staff noted a financial analysis was produced and emailed to counsel earlier the same day.
Why this matters: OCFS rules require licensed staff to administer some medications in childcare settings. The council’s decision funds a part‑time, rostered nurse so GIAC can provide medication administration and monitoring during program hours rather than relying on higher‑cost per‑diem coverage.
