Albany County approves $150,000 amendment to expand daycare subsidy for county employees at Shaker Place

Albany County lawmakers on an unspecified date approved a budget amendment adding $150,000 to the 2025 Department of Human Resources appropriation to support the county contribution to the on-site Shaker Place daycare.

County staff described the change as "a budget neutral amendment" that will "ensure adequate funding for the remainder of the 2025 budget year," and said the increase will support continued operation of the facility that currently serves county employees.

The amendment is intended to support employee recruitment and retention, county staff said, noting current enrollment at the daycare is 47 children. "Right now, the current enrollment, for the daycare is 47 children," a county Human Resources staff member said. The county representative said the benefit “continues to assist in attracting and retaining talent for Albany County, and create a productive and loyal workforce.”

Members asked how the subsidy is administered and who is eligible. A county Human Resources staff member answered, "So it's open to anybody that works for the county, but your subsidy is prorated based on what your income is." The staff member also said the subsidy is calculated using the employee's salary rather than household income.

Several legislators pressed for more information on whether household income should be considered to prioritize employees "most in need." One member said they would "rather give that to somebody like a single mom" when capacity is limited. County staff said Department of Social Services subsidies are captured on the intake questionnaire and that other agency assistance would be considered as an indicator when evaluating need.

Lawmakers also questioned capacity and operational details. County staff said the daycare is currently at maximum capacity because some spots must remain open to accommodate children "aging up" into different rooms; staff noted that four children will move to different rooms on Nov. 1. The county representative said the daycare opened in July of the prior year and initially had low utilization.

Several members also raised human resources implications: one legislator asked how the county would cover the $150,000 going forward and questioned reported reductions of "3 and a half lines" in HR staffing (three full-time and one part-time positions). County staff said the county is preparing next year's budget and will account for recurring costs.

After discussion, the Legislature moved to accept the amendment. A roll-call tally was not recorded in the transcript; the presiding officer called for those in favor and the motion "carried." The transcript did not list individual yes/no votes.

The county did not specify the exact fee schedule for unsubsidized daycare or the precise number of nursing-home employees using the benefit; the staff member said they would follow up with those figures.

Lawmakers asked county staff to return with additional information on utilization, eligibility rules, and whether household income should be included in subsidy calculations before future budget cycles. The amendment is effective for the remainder of the 2025 budget year as described in the meeting materials.