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Gallatin committee weighs broadening CDBG meal program amid reporting concerns
Summary
City staff reported $318,994 in available CDBG funds and proposed keeping 15% for public services (meals). Community groups and some council members urged expanding eligible uses to include wraparound services and equipment; staff cautioned about federal reporting and liability and recommended a cautious approach.
City staff told the council committee on July 14 that the city’s 2026 Community Development Block Grant allocation is $318,994 and that the draft annual action plan mirrors last year’s allocations, including 15% for public services.
Jim Carpenter, staff planner, said planned sidewalk projects and public‑services programming are moving through contract and design phases. Carpenter described the current public‑services focus as meals for people experiencing homelessness and said staff had received public input suggesting that focus is too narrow.
Felicia Lewis, executive director of Unlimited Potential, asked the council to clarify how CDBG eligibility is being interpreted and urged a strategic planning session with staff and stakeholders to reduce duplication and allow purchases beyond food—such as utensils, containers, refrigeration and hygiene supplies—that support dignified meal delivery. "Providing a meal involves more than just purchasing food," Lewis said.
Several council members supported cautiously broadening program language to allow direct costs tied to meal provision—containers, refrigeration and related equipment—while avoiding adding complex service obligations that could increase liability or reporting burden for the city and nonprofits. One council member proposed amending consolidated plan language for next year while keeping the current annual action plan in place to allow staff to gain implementation experience before expanding services.
The committee voted to send the consolidated plan and annual action plan to council (motion carried). Staff said they will provide more specific regulatory guidance and can draft language that permits limited, directly related expenses without expanding to burdensome new service obligations.
