SALT LAKE CITY — In response to community concerns, leaders of Utah’s most populous county voted to extend funding for four county-run child care centers for an additional few months, despite plans for future closures. During a special meeting on Monday, the Salt Lake County Council voted 5-3 to prolong the operation of daycare services at the Kearns, Magna, Millcreek Activity, and Northwest Activity recreation centers until the end of May 2026, ensuring that staff will remain in place during this period.
Initially set for closure on December 31, the extension aligns with the need for families to have sufficient time to find alternative childcare solutions, particularly during the ongoing school year. “I think it’s really important for us to give these families some additional time to find alternative arrangements for their child care, and it makes sense for it to go to the end of the school year,” stated Salt Lake County Councilwoman Aimee Winder Newton.
This decision, however, faced criticism. Council Democrats argued that the county could explore sustainable funding options to support these essential services. Councilwoman Suzanne Harrison expressed her discontent by voting against the measure, stating, “While I’m grateful that we’re going to give families more time… I just can’t — in good conscience — vote for this because we can do better.” Harrison’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some council members who believe the closures will negatively impact families.
The county’s child care programs have been serving 271 families during the school year and around 300 during the summer. A previously commissioned study concluded that while these centers provide adequate preschool and after-school care, they are not financially self-sustaining. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson urged the council to explore market-based solutions to ensure the viability of these daycare services before finalizing closure plans, which were prompted in part by a recent recommendation for a nearly 20% property tax increase as part of her budget for 2026.
Council Chairwoman Dea Theodore pointed out the connection between budgetary constraints and the decision to close the centers, emphasizing the significance of the proposed tax changes and administrative decisions in reaching this juncture. “This is due to a tax increase and some failures on the administration by letting it get to this point,” she said.
The emotional tide of discussions was evident last week as parents voiced their reliance on these centers. Many individuals expressed that the current child care options are financially burdensome, with some indicating that obtaining alternative care would require sacrificing other essential expenses. “Money was already tight, and for me to be able to afford any of these other places, I’ll have to reduce my contribution to my 401(k),” shared Mackenzie Miller, a parent dependent on the Magna Recreation Center for childcare.
While Salt Lake County does offer other supportive programs and collaborates with nonprofit organizations, the future of the child care centers remains a topic of significant concern. Councilman Jiro Johnson, who missed the vote, has expressed his intention to seek ways to reinstate these vital services moving forward. As the community navigates this transitional period, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions that meet the needs of families in Salt Lake County.