Commissioners approve up to $35,000 to help start nonprofit childcare on Hatteras Island

Dare County commissioners voted unanimously Aug. 10 to provide up to $35,000 to the Coastal Family Collaborative to cover first-year rent and limited start-up expenses for a nonprofit childcare program on Hatteras Island.

Staff and a delegation of commissioners who met with the group said the model looks viable but will face early cash‑flow challenges. Advisory council member Heather Jeanette told the board the collaborative has received a $50,000 grant from the North Carolina Rural Center and has roughly $23,000 identified for initial repairs and startup; some of that will be used to float early staff pay until tuition revenue begins. “We are,” Jeanette said when asked whether the group supports the county proposal, and she later asked, “If things are going well, but we do need a bit more support, is that an option?”

The board’s motion authorized up to $35,000 under a written agreement; staff said the figure covers rent (about $2,600 per month) and a modest contingency and that the group will return with a six‑month progress update. Commissioners emphasized they do not intend to become a long‑term subsidy provider and asked staff to develop objective criteria so future, similar requests can be evaluated consistently.