NORFOLK, Neb. -- An organization in northeast Nebraska is one step closer to creating a new childcare facility.

Monday saw a lengthy discussion about childcare and its need in the city of Norfolk. Women's Empowering Life Line (WELL) was requesting $103,219.10 in economic development program funds. This money would go to purchase a $450,000 building, which used to be Northern Hills Daycare, to create a non-profit child care center. The money would work as a loan, which WELL would need to pay back. However, 99% of the loan is forgivable if they create 11 new full-time equivalent jobs, paying at least $15 per hour, during a two-year retention period.

"Investing in early childcare development has a huge impact on how our community will continue to shape and grow," Donny Larson, the executive director at WELL said. "It (the care center) opens more than just the jobs directly that we are providing, but gives people the support so they can go back to work."

WELL emphasized the need for childcare in the region as well as the importance their facility could provide to the public. However, some on the council expressed hesitancy.

Councilman Justin Webb said he was for childcare and WELL's mission, but said he was uncomfortable with the recent history of the building. Webb elaborated, saying the building, had been intentionally shut down to be repurposed. However, when the owner was unable to do this, Webb claimed they were now trying to sell the building at a much higher price.

"Just coming in, buying the daycare and shutting it down, and then coming to the taxpayer and asking for 100,000 dollars to make the deal work," Webb said. "I'm all about your movement...but I'm a little tied up in this. When the daycare was shut down and a price was given for that daycare, I don't know what supports that price. That's my concern."

Conversations continued for over an hour, many in attendance advocating for the funds to be given to WELL.

When put to a vote, the council voted unanimously to award WELL the funds.

The moment had members silently rejoicing the decision, hugging each other and even shedding some tears.