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Roane County pantries ask commissioners for emergency aid as federal benefits stall; vote delayed by procedure
Summary
Local food pantry leaders asked Roane County commissioners for urgent funding after a federal shutdown reduced SNAP access, seeking roughly $30,000. Commissioners debated options but deferred any appropriation because of procedural rules requiring a written resolution and committee review.
Representatives of several Roane County food pantries told the County Commission on Nov. 25 they are facing sharply increased demand after a disruption in federal benefits and asked for immediate help.
"We're looking for the $30,000 range," Phil Merrill of Feeding Moon Food Pantry said during public comment, urging the county to move quickly as pantries have been depleted and Thanksgiving approaches. Speakers said pantries serve hundreds of families weekly and that Second Harvest can stretch local dollars through bulk purchasing.
Commissioners signaled sympathy and reviewed short-term options. One commissioner suggested a $3,000 short-term allocation per pantry to cover two weeks of need; others pointed to the county's community improvement or unassigned fund balances as possible sources. "We can draw from [an unassigned line] and then come to the budget committee in December to replenish," one commissioner proposed.
However, the chair and county attorney said the commission must follow its legally required notice and resolution process (the so-called "12-day rule") before formally appropriating funds at a full meeting. A motion to provide $30,000 was moved and seconded at the meeting, but no formal vote or immediate disbursement was recorded because the county must first draft a resolution and route it through the appropriate committee.
Commissioners described several next steps: staff will draft a resolution or consider using available short-term budget authority that does not require full commission approval, and the budget committee will review any proposed appropriation in December. Several commissioners also pressed for clear eligibility rules to ensure any emergency funds go to larger, established pantries rather than small church-based operations that already provide local support.
The issue remains open; commissioners asked staff to prepare options and to return with a resolution or committee recommendation in December.
