Residents press council on childcare costs, deer feeding and short-term rentals during public comment

During the public-comment period at the Aug. 12 meeting, several residents raised issues spanning municipal childcare costs, deer feeding in neighborhoods and the growth of short-term rentals.

Gigi Poole, who identified herself and her address, presented numerical figures she said were based on a Duke University study and town budget numbers. Poole said the town’s childcare center serves 12 children with an annual operating budget of $188,000 and that, after accounting for employee payments, the taxpayer cost amounts to about $12,742 per child — which she characterized as 265% above private-market cost. She urged greater stewardship of town funds.

Council and staff responded in the meeting by noting that the town-provided childcare has enabled the municipality to remain fully staffed, including police officers who otherwise might seek childcare outside the area; staff framed the program as a personnel retention benefit rather than a revenue-neutral service.

Dana Petrie asked council to consider an ordinance banning the feeding of deer within town limits, saying neighbors feed deer and that animals are causing property damage and approaching town areas. No action was taken at the meeting; the item was recorded as public comment for council consideration.

Melissa Tausche urged the council to study policies used by other municipalities to mitigate short-term rental impacts, such as requiring developers or short-term-rental permit holders to set aside a portion of units as deed-restricted affordable housing (for example, a 10% inclusionary requirement when a large number of short-term rentals are permitted). She encouraged the town to research best practices and consider workforce-housing strategies.