Stewart County Commission approves 2025–26 charitable contributions, listing amounts for local nonprofits

The Stewart County Commission voted to approve charitable contributions for the 2025–26 fiscal year to more than 20 local nonprofits, with most requests granted at the levels proposed or with small increases.

The commission approved an increased payment to the Athletic Association of Stewart County — raised from $18,000 the previous year to $25,000 for 2025–26 — after commissioners discussed adding a maintenance requirement tied to a Walter Trail Forest upkeep agreement. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) made a presentation explaining its volunteer training and casework; the commission approved CASA’s request to increase its funding so the group can recruit and train volunteer advocates.

Other approved amounts (voice votes during the meeting) included: Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts groups held at $1,500 each; Halligan Economic Corporation at $8,000; Head Start (no county request this year); HRA at $15,000; Progressive Direct Inc. at $10,000; Stewart County Adult Literacy Council at $1,500; Stewart County Backpack Program at $4,000; Stewart County Senior Citizen Center at $21,000; UT Extension at $2,300; Good Samaritans at $4,000; Tennessee Department of Agriculture Forestry Division at $2,000; the Museum of Military Culture (no vote required for a previously approved $5,000 item); the Humane Society of Dover/Stewart County at $10,000; Stewart County Historical Society increase of $250 to $3,100; and other smaller nonprofits generally approved at the same level as the prior year.

The commission deferred or consolidated some items for end-of-agenda discussion (for example, the Chamber of Commerce and the county fire department were discussed at length and considered later in the meeting). Most votes were recorded as voice approvals; the transcript shows motions, seconds and “all in favor” responses but does not list roll-call tally numbers for each motion.

Votes at a glance (selected items; amounts are fiscal 2025–26 unless noted): - Athletic Association of Stewart County: approved $25,000 (increase from $18,000). Discussion noted attaching maintenance responsibilities to the funding. - CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates): approved (amount requested to expand volunteer training and outreach; specific dollar amount not specified in the transcript request line — request approved after presentation). - Boy Scouts / Cub Scouts: approved $1,500 (no change). - Halligan Economic Corporation: approved $8,000 (no change). - Stewart County Historical Society: approved $3,100 (increase of $250). - Chamber of Commerce: approved $10,000 for 2025–26 (the chamber had earlier discussed a larger combined request, including hotel/motel tax shares; the commission ultimately approved $10,000 for the immediate fiscal allocation). - Stewart County Fire and Rescue: approved $125,000 (requested increase from $100,000); commissioners discussed operational needs and directed further planning for capital and staffing long-term needs. - Humane Society of Dover / Stewart County: approved $10,000 (no change).

Nut Graf: The allocations fund volunteer-run services, youth programs and civic organizations that the county supports annually. Commissioners said most awards matched prior-year commitments, with a few increases tied to demonstrated needs (facility maintenance, program growth, or rising operational costs). Several organizations made short presentations describing how county funds would be used.

Meeting context and next steps: Commissioners generally approved the slate by motion and voice vote. For some larger requests (notably the Chamber of Commerce’s broader ask and Fire and Rescue capital requests) the commission signaled follow-up work: the chamber was asked to return with performance details after six months, and the fire department was asked to prepare a multi-year plan for capital replacement and staffing needs.

Ending: The commission completed the nonprofit allocations and moved on to remaining agenda business, including a motion to adjourn.