Childcare Cost Recovery Levels

At a glance

What: how much of the cost of childcare and afterschool programs at the Menlo Children's Center the city should recover through fees.
Where it stands: at an August 25, 2026 study session the council directed staff to do a high-level market analysis and to proceed with a 70 percent cost recovery rate, reached by fee increases over two years starting in 2027 and aligned with the master fee schedule cycle.
Next: staff market analysis and the 2027 master fee schedule. No vote was taken (study session direction).

Staff report 26-145-CC, presented by Library and Community Services Director Szegda and Manager Jones.
Two speakers supported the center's services; one opposed higher rates and one voiced concern about losing the center's services.
Council asked about afterschool program costs and recovery, the missing middle and working families, resident to non-resident ratios, state funding, the San Mateo County child care blueprint and the market rate cost analysis, then discussed cost recovery percentages and increases over two or three years.

Study session; direction to pursue 70 percent cost recovery over two years from 2027.