The Clear Creek County Board of County Commissioners approved an agreement July 30 with the Clear Creek Schools Foundation to administer scholarships for childcare using lodging-tax proceeds the county intends to set aside for that purpose. The board approved the five-year agreement by motion after County Attorney Peter Lickmeyer outlined how the foundation was selected through a request-for-proposals process.

Why it matters
The agreement designates the schools foundation as the administrator for lodging-tax-funded childcare scholarships and requires the foundation to work with a local partner to form a scholarship committee and a provider-vetting committee. County staff will have a representative on both committees and must approve the selection criteria and recipients. The agreement also requires reporting to the county each February and September and makes clear that funds must be appropriated by the county each fiscal year.

What the agreement requires
- The Schools Foundation will administer scholarship funds to childcare providers on behalf of selected families; the foundation will vet providers with county input.
- County human services will have committee representation and final sign-off on selection criteria.
- The agreement term is five years but requires annual appropriation to be effective; lack of appropriation voids payment obligations for that year.
- The foundation must provide periodic reports (February and September) and a post-program report to show how funds were distributed and used.

Board action
A motion to approve the agreement passed unanimously. Commissioners said the arrangement preserves county oversight while relying on a local nonprofit with demonstrated experience. County staff will work with the foundation on yearly fund transfers and on any future amendments should the board decide to shift lodging-tax funds to other childcare-related uses (for example, workforce development or capital support for facilities).

Ending
The board asked staff to follow up on execution logistics: foundation signature and notarization, then county signatures and formal transfer letters once the county appropriates funds for the coming year.