Erie County narrows proposed $1 million food-bank appropriation to $250,000 drawdown, restricts use and moves ordinance to agenda

The board debated a proposed ordinance that had earlier sought to appropriate $1 million to support food banks and related community pantries. Fred, a resident, told the board that any county funds given to Second Harvest "should stay in the county" and asked that the county consider culturally appropriate foods for new Americans.

Several commissioners raised fiscal concerns about a $1 million appropriation in the middle of budget season. "I oppose a million dollars," one commissioner (speaker 10) said, calling the amount "steep" and urging accountability if the board were to move forward. That commissioner also said any public or private funders should have the opportunity to match county contributions.

Board members discussed options including restricting funds to remain in Erie County, using a drawdown mechanism rather than a single lump sum, and defining eligible uses. One commissioner asked whether administrative costs would be deducted if a third party (Second Harvest) administered the funds; another commissioner said the county could restrict funds to food purchases and to Second Harvest.

The chair proposed amending the ordinance to a $250,000 appropriation restricted exclusively for food purchases at Second Harvest and to include provisions to address unaffiliated smaller food providers. There was no recorded roll-call vote in the meeting excerpt; the chair asked whether there was any objection to moving the amended ordinance onto the agenda and none was recorded.

Next steps: the amended ordinance (proposal: $250,000, restricted to food purchases at Second Harvest, with drawdown/administration details to be defined) will be placed on the board agenda for formal consideration and possible final action at a future meeting.