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County staff back Economic Development Council child-care planning grant; commissioners supportive
Summary
The Economic Development Council sought county support for a childcare strategic plan and expansion grant; county staff said the EDC will apply and commissioners agreed to provide a letter of support and to coordinate county staff assistance where appropriate.
Kevin Schutte of the Economic Development Council asked Mason County to endorse a grant application to fund a child-care strategic plan and expansion of child-care slots in the county. County staff briefed commissioners on the proposal and recommended a letter of support; county staff said the EDC application would help analyze local demand and propose options to encourage child-care development.
Why it matters: commissioners and staff described child-care availability as a local economic-development and workforce issue, affecting recruitment and retention of employees in Mason County. Staff noted many child-care requirements are set by the state and asked the Economic Development Council to work with county staff and public-health partners to identify barriers and potential local steps.
Commissioner comments: Commissioners agreed there is need for additional child care and supported coordinating county staff assistance. Public-health and human-services staff were identified as potential partners to advise on licensing, staffing ratios and funding options.
Next steps: county staff will connect EDC with appropriate county departments and the board indicated support for the EDC’s grant application and letter of support.
