URGENT UPDATE: The Colfax Economic Development Corporation (CEDCO) has officially requested up to $500,000 from the Jasper County Board of Supervisors to support a critical new child care center in Colfax. This request follows a detailed presentation at the supervisors’ meeting earlier today, where CEDCO emphasized the community’s dire need for affordable child care options.
Tim Salmon, superintendent of the Colfax-Mingo Community School District and vice-president of CEDCO, revealed that the organization has secured a $1.7 million grant from Iowa Workforce Development to fund the project. “This center will not only serve Colfax but will be a vital resource for the entire county,” Salmon stated, underlining the urgency of the situation.
Currently, Jasper County faces a significant shortfall of over 1,000 daycare spots, making the establishment of this center a priority. The new facility, which has already broken ground, will span more than 12,000 square feet and accommodate 140 children from newborns to school-age kids, providing essential before- and after-school care.
Salmon further explained, “As a school district, we see firsthand the struggles parents face in finding affordable childcare. Our goal is to keep rates as low as possible because child care costs are extremely high.” The total cost of the Colfax-Mingo Child Care Center is projected to be $3.4 million.
Despite receiving significant funding, CEDCO still needs to raise between $850,000 and $900,000 to complete the project. Salmon communicated the urgency of the request to the county board, stating, “This is a community effort, and we are asking for your support to make this happen.”
During the meeting, Supervisor Doug Cupples raised concerns about the funding shortfall. Salmon reassured the board, stating that CEDCO is exploring various financial options, including discussions with private investors and banks for potential loans. However, he emphasized that taking on debt could increase costs for parents, which CEDCO aims to avoid.
Enrollment interest is already strong, with parents eager to secure spots for their children, which promises to generate early revenue for the center. The proposed rates for the child care services will be among the lowest in the county, making it an attractive option for families.
CEDCO noted that the county could potentially spread the requested $500,000 donation over several years, easing the immediate financial impact. The board of supervisors acknowledged the importance of the project but indicated that a decision would take a few weeks as they evaluate the proposal.
This urgent request highlights a significant gap in child care services in rural areas, making it imperative for the community to rally support. The future of countless families in Jasper County may depend on the success of this initiative.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on Jasper County’s Board of Supervisors to see if they can approve the funding to help fill the crucial child care void. Stay tuned for updates on this pressing development.
