Giant Step Preschool seeks $3,000 from town as enrollment, insurance costs bite

Kirsty Kilduff, director of Giant Step Preschool, told the Rangely Town Council the center had served more than 50 children in 2024–25 but enrollment has dropped to about half that level this year, and operating costs have risen sharply. "Giant Step Preschool has been a cornerstone in the community for over 45 years," Kilduff said, and she described losing a historic grant that covered property taxes and insurance and facing an insurance premium that doubled this year.

Kilduff requested $3,000 from the town's 'fund for public giving' to help stabilize operations and detailed several local fundraising efforts (walking-taco sales, bake sales, a partnership with the high-school student council and other events). She provided current tuition rates (full day $78; 2–5 hours $48; under 2 hours $30) and said the center currently employs four people with one full-time employee. Council members pressed for evidence of long-term sustainability and alternatives to a direct donation; one councilmember said enterprise funds should not be used to subsidize a private business and recommended a donation rather than utility credit.

After discussion and a request that staff check county funding sources and prior property-tax exemptions, a councilmember moved to table the $3,000 contribution so staff can gather additional information; the motion was seconded and carried. Council requested follow-up on county CCITF funds, the prior grant history, and confirmation of any tax-exempt status for the facility.