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Eddy County considers $2 million to support 268‑child daycare bought by Carlsbad schools
Summary
County manager Mike Gallagher said Carlsbad Municipal Schools is considering buying a daycare that could serve about 268 children; Eddy County staff proposed a $2,000,000 contribution intended to cover operations for roughly three to four years and reserve about 50–75 spaces for county employees. Commissioners will consider an action item on June
Eddy County commissioners discussed a proposal May 27 for the county to provide $2,000,000 to help operate a daycare facility that Carlsbad Municipal Schools is considering purchasing.
County manager Mike Gallagher told the commission the proposal grew from conversations among the schools, the county and a local nonprofit, God's Light in the Darkness Foundation, to address a countywide shortage of child-care capacity. "Nearly 7% of our population is under the age of 5 and, that calls for the need to have more day care services," Gallagher said.
Gallagher summarized the proposal presented by the Carlsbad Municipal Schools board at its May 13 meeting: the school board authorized Superintendent Dr. Washburn to discuss buying a daycare facility that could house approximately 268 children. Under the plan discussed with county staff, Eddy County would provide $2,000,000 to Carlsbad Municipal Schools to help operate the facility, with that funding expected to support operations for about three to four years. The county would also reserve roughly 50 to 75 spaces for county employees; the exact terms remain to be negotiated.
Kristin Gamboa, identified in the meeting as executive director of the Carlsbad Department of Development, told commissioners she and other local leaders see more child-care capacity as an economic-development priority. Gallagher said he had contacted local day-care providers and found widespread wait lists and limited immediate openings, reinforcing the community need.
Commissioners expressed support and asked staff to return with an action item. Gallagher said staff would bring the proposal back for the board to consider at the June 10 meeting.
No formal county funding decision was taken on May 27; the discussion functioned as direction to pursue terms and return with a proposed action. Details including final operating agreements, precise reservation counts for county employees and any required oversight or match conditions were not settled during the discussion.
