Carroll County keeps level funding for Manning Child Care Center after testimony on staffing and wait lists

Brad Volstead, president of the Manning Child Care Center, told the Carroll County Board of Supervisors the center is "bleeding money pretty profusely every year" and is struggling to recruit and retain staff because it cannot offer competitive pay or benefits. He said the center serves 39 families (71 children) and has waiting lists that include 19 infants and 36 non‑infants.

Volstead described steps the center is taking to expand services, including applying a recently awarded state three‑year grant of $300,000 ($100,000 a year) to establish a before‑and‑after‑school program at the local school. He said the program cannot open until a certified supervisor is hired and trained.

Supervisors discussed recent county support levels, noting the center received $6,000 last year after longer periods of $8,500 in prior years. After discussion, the board moved to provide level funding (matching last year's award) to the Manning Child Care Center. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The board did not specify additional conditions for the funding in the meeting; staff indicated the amount will be included in the coming budget cycle.