Voice of the People: Grand Terrace Should Not Be in the Child Care Business

It is my individual opinion as a Councilman that the City of Grand Terrace has no business being in the Child Care service industry. First, let me be perfectly clear that I have nothing against the quality of care being provided or the competency of the providers. The issues at hand are that of profit and ownership. A business has to generate income or it is a charity. The Child Care business depends on enrollment for profitability and it's utility is highly individualized. Enrollment is down and Grand Terrace Child Care does not qualify for the additional enrollment available through low income subsidies. Grand Terrace risks accruing additional debt from low enrollment and a minimum wage hike, on top of substantial unfunded retirement liability laying in wait to fund current and future retirees. The business of government is serving the needs of its citizens. City Child Care enrollment is tiny. Only 64% of those enrolled are City residents. Child Care is not a core service that the City has to furnish to its residents. Child Care does not support the City’s Mission or serve the goals of the City’s 2030 Vision, or fulfill any of the elements of the 2014-2020 Strategic Plan. Child Care does not ensure our fiscal viability, it drains it. Government is rarely as efficient at running a business as private enterprise. Child Care can’t maintain public safety for the overall community. Child Care does not promote economic development. Child Care does not develop and implement successful partnerships with business. Child Care does not engage in proactive communication with other jurisdictions. It is my individual opinion as a Councilman that we should sell the Child Care building and business to a private enterprise and retire as much present and future liability as we can.