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Tie Votes Leave Four Salt Lake County Childcare Centers on Track to Close

A tie on proposals to extend operations keeps the county-run sites headed for shutdown when the 2026 budget is finalized.

Overview

  • The GOP-led council previously voted 5–4 to cut funding, and on Tuesday two rescue motions—one to keep centers open through May with a 20% tuition hike and another for a one-year extension—failed on 4–4 splits after one member did not cast a vote.
  • Parents packed the meeting with emotional testimony and petitions, and one attendee was removed after an outburst as tensions rose over the decision.
  • County leaders cite underuse and an estimated $2 million annual subsidy for programs serving roughly 270 families, with supporters of the cuts arguing the county is not best suited to run daycare operations.
  • Mayor Jenny Wilson backed a one-year bridge to explore options, and state Sen. Luz Escamilla floated public‑private partnerships, but neither plan advanced at the meeting.
  • Families say alternatives carry higher costs and long waitlists, and some are urging a mayoral veto or modest fee increases to keep the Magna, Kearns, Millcreek and Fairpark sites open.