Larimer County officials hear plan for 0.25% sales tax to fund early childhood services

Larimer County officials and the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County (ECCLC) used a June 23 work session to walk commissioners through a proposal to put a 0.25% sales tax on the November ballot that supporters say would generate about $28 million annually for early childhood services.

The proposal would allocate roughly 80% of revenues — about $22 million a year — to the ECCLC under a county contract and retain about 20% for the county to establish reserves, manage contracting and provide a county liaison, ECCLC CEO Christina Taylor and Human Services Director Heather O'Hare told the Board of County Commissioners.

Why it matters: ECCLC and county staff said the funding would be used to raise early childhood educator wages, expand tuition subsidies to reduce family childcare costs, invest in supply and capital projects to create more childcare slots, and expand supports such as mental-health consultation, occupational therapy and workforce supports. ECCLC estimates $11 million a year in tuition support could help 5,000–6,000 families; the council also modeled a $50-per-month health-insurance stipend for about 1,500 educators as one benefit option.

"We'll be making the case for public funding as a solution by putting forward a a point 25% sales tax on the ballot this November," said Steve Kenneman, president of the ECCLC board of directors.…