The need for more childcare providers in Fillmore County was highlighted by Allison Whalen, CEDA, at the county board’s September 9 meeting.
Whalen asked the board to support an application for the Minnesota Rural Child Care Innovation Program (RCCIP). First Children’s Finance RCCIP is a community process to address childcare challenges in rural America. Whalen explained childcare has been identified as a priority.
The first step has been to develop a core team which has been done; it is a strong team representing the entire county. The 20-member team includes EDA members, social workers, school board members, public health people, and two county commissioners. They will communicate with First Children’s Finance regarding the application. Whalen said there is a passion to combat the childcare crisis in Fillmore County. The team will try to find solutions.
The team led by Whalen wants to apply for an 18 to 20-month program. People involved will be volunteering their time; there will be no cost to the county for the RCCIP. Whalen reported there currently are 380 slots short of demand for childcare in Fillmore County.
The board gave its support for the RCCIP application.
Whalen, separately, asked the board to approve a Fillmore County Childcare Microloan Pilot Program. The intention of the program is to support new or expanded in-home childcare providers by reducing finance barriers for start-up providers. Whalen proposed an annual pool of $6,000 to provide up to $2,000 per provider to help with start-up costs or upgrades. She provided three options for repayment or forgiveness of the loan.
Shelby Antoff, social worker and core team member, suggested the microloan could start at $1,000. It could bring in more providers, serving up to 12 children per provider. Antoff said, “We are truly in crisis in Fillmore County.”
Commissioner Duane Bakke explained he had hoped the loans could be set up as a revolving loan program. He maintained we owe it to the community to support this effort.
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery asked if they could work with cities. Whalen said the committee has reached out to cities, SMIF, and other organizations. Commissioner Mitch Lentz noted additional requirements have been added by the state for in-home childcare providers; there is a definite shortage our communities.
The board unanimously voted to allocate $6,000 in the 2026 budget for the program. They agreed to the option for standard monthly repayment at 0% interest and partial forgiveness (25% forgiveness of the loan after three-year operation).
2026 Budget
Hillery reviewed all of the adjustments made to the 2026 budget since the early preliminary numbers showed a 16% increase to the levy. She credited department heads for the great job they have done to bring the increase down. The numbers presented this day show a 6.44% increase in the levy. Another $60,000 that could be cut was identified this day. The preliminary levy will need to be approved at the next meeting.
Other Business in Brief
- An access permit was approved for Andrew and Gail Bunge for a driveway access on CR 17 in the city of Preston.
- The hire of Kayla O’Bieglo as a replacement Public Health RN was approved, effective October 13.
- The promotion Karen Rislov, part-time dispatcher, to full-time dispatcher was approved, effective September 15. She has been a part-time employee with the county for 11 years.
- The promotion of Tabitha House, interim PSAP, to permanent full-time PSAP, was approved, effective September 12.
- Recommendations by the Benefit Committee for 2026 benefits were approved.
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