Pawnee City Council pledges $1,000 to local daycare effort and conditionally approves water credit

Jessica (Jess) Colo, a member of the PC Little Learners board, told the Pawnee City Council on Oct. 27 that the grassroots childcare group has raised $77,000 in pledges toward a $350,000 goal that would cover building purchase and startup costs. Colo said the group hopes to decide by Nov. 1 whether to attempt to buy the current daycare building and is seeking additional grant support including an $18,500 childcare tax-credit allotment and a possible $150,000 pledge from the Scott Family Foundation.

The council voted to provide a $1,000 pledge, with the check dated Nov. 3, 2025, and to award a $1,000 credit on the daycare’s water bill if PC Little Learners acquires the current daycare location in 2026. Council Member Pat Hatfield moved the donation and Council Member Susan Eisenhauer seconded; roll call showed all present voting in favor.

Colo described several contingency plans if the building purchase falls through: short-term rental of two rooms at the local assisted-living facility with an outdoor fenced play area, pursuing basement space at UB&T bank, or evaluating the old SENCA building for licensing compliance. She also said the group has identified approximately 15–30 local families who need childcare if hours cover 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and that community fundraising events and outreach to area foundations are ongoing.

Why it matters: Pawnee City currently has limited local childcare capacity. Council members framed the gift as seed support to help maintain local early-childcare options while the group pursues larger grants and private donations. The city’s pledge is annual-request dependent, meaning future credits or donations would need separate approval.

The council action is limited to a one-time pledge and conditional water credit; no further commitments or guarantees were made on behalf of the city.