Decatur City Council approves funding for Wee Folk building rehabilitation

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND)- Decatur City Council will spend $730,000 in federal COVID money to get an old daycare up to code.

On Monday night the council approved the funding for the rehabilitation of the Wee Folk daycare facility, the money will pay for removing asbestos and replacing floors.

The building will then be given to a local daycare owner Cherri Johnson.

Johnson will finish the renovations and plans to get a 24-7 daycare up and running as soon as possible.

Local non-profits say this late night daycare is crucial for working families.

Macon County CASA Executive Director, Blaine Smith spoke at the council meeting and stated, "The number of children that we see that have been neglected because they do not have proper support and childcare- is astronomical, its insane. We need to be able to give support to birth families, biological families, who need the ability to work and support their families."

Johnson plans to hire 100 staff members and offer at least 350 slots for children. Workforce Investment Solutions plans to assist with hiring.