Carroll city officials are working to resolve some confusion concerning a letter recently mailed to daycare providers in the community about registration requirements. Randy Toft, a Carroll resident, approached the council during the Jan. 13 meeting with questions about the letter he received earlier this month. Under city code, in-home businesses, including daycares, must pay the city a one-time $50 fee. However, City Manager Aaron Kooiker says there is uncertainty about whether the ordinance conflicts with state code, and City Attorney Dave Bruner is researching the question.
A follow-up letter has been sent to in-home daycare providers in the city limits, which should have arrived on Wednesday or today (Thursday), informing property owners to disregard the previous letter. Toft questioned Kooiker as to how providers that have operated for years suddenly started receiving notifications.
Kooiker adds that the city never intended to fine or close in-home daycare centers. Toft questioned whether any other home-based businesses received a similar letter.
Nearly all the council members indicated they had received calls from providers in their wards about the letter. Ward 3 Councilman Kyle Bauer says the city should be encouraging daycares considering the childcare shortage.
For now, the issue is on indefinite hold until city officials determine if their ordinance aligns with state law. If required, an ordinance amendment will appear on a future council agenda.
