A Moorhead child-care provider for low-income families will remain open after the Clay County Commission agreed to freeze the center's rent.
The Daily Discoveries Learning Center, which occupies space in the county's Family Service Center, was in danger of closing after an $82,091 reduction in a state grant.
"I think they are essential programs," Commissioner Ben Brunsvold said after the board voted Tuesday not to increase the center's rent.
Clay-Wilkin Opportunity Council, which funds the center, will pay $132,346 to rent about 14,500 square feet in first-floor space under the agreement.
The non-profit group faced paying $169,050 for 13,800 square feet of first floor space and that was too much, said Joe Pederson, executive director for Clay-Wilkin.
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The day-care center, which occupies about 5,569 square feet of that space, would have moved or closed without the deal, he said.
Currently, Clay-Wilkin pays $123,771 for its first-floor space.
The group's mission is to assist low income people in Clay and Wilkin counties in their quest for self-sufficiency. Clay-Wilkin's annual budget is about $4.2 million.
About 75 percent of families using the Daily Discoveries Learning Center receive some type of government assistance, Pederson said.
The center, licensed to care for 65 children preschool- age and below, serves about 50 area families.
"We are very happy with the county's action," Pederson said. "It shows Clay County values the (Clay-Wilkin Opportunity Council) and its tenants."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Jeff Baird at (701) 241-5535
