Routt County officials discussed using reloadable debit cards to backfill disrupted SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and directed staff to return next week with final details.

County Manager Jay introduced options under consideration after federal benefits became uncertain, saying staff had been evaluating grocery cards, partner distribution with LiftUp and issuing Wells Fargo debit cards that the county could reload. Jay and staff told commissioners the county could load cards on a two‑week cadence to match SNAP cycles and avoid wasting funds when recipients did not pick up benefits.

Commissioners and DHS staff discussed operational and privacy questions, including whether the county could restrict purchases, whether transaction data would be available to review in aggregate, and the timing for issuing cards. Jay said Wells Fargo was being asked about transaction fees and back‑end reporting and that county accounting could mirror existing AP processes to reload cards biweekly. Kelly (DHS staff) and Melina (department staff) participated in the operational discussion.

Officials gave several practical figures: staff said about 454 households participate in the county SNAP distribution, comprising “over 600 individuals” overall, and that the county cost to run the backfill was roughly $110,000 per month. Dan noted the county maintains a roughly 10% committed reserve that could cover several months if needed.

Commissioners expressed conditional support. Commissioner Redmond said she was “100% supportive” of stepping in to help families in November and urged careful messaging with LiftUp and local vendors. Commissioners asked staff to draft an acknowledgment form for recipients stating misuse of funds could affect future reloads and to include language on rollover of existing SNAP balances.

Staff said the goal would be to have cards ready and loaded in November if the county proceeds and requested authorization to finalize contractual/operational details after a meeting with Wells Fargo scheduled for the afternoon of the work session. Commissioners asked staff to return with specifics the next Monday so the board could consider formal action the following Tuesday.

The board discussed communication risks: some small local vendors have stopped taking EBT amid confusion in other counties, so staff emphasized outreach to LiftUp and local stores to avoid disruption. Commissioners also raised privacy concerns about reviewing receipts; staff said they would seek aggregate transaction reporting rather than individual receipt surveillance but would bring options back for review.

The discussion did not include a formal motion or vote. Staff were directed to continue negotiations with Wells Fargo, draft recipient acknowledgment language, clarify fees and reload timing, and present a procurement/authorization request for commissioner action at the next meeting.

The county also pursued complementary grant and philanthropic options. Jay said staff had applied for a regional emergency-food grant through a local foundation and would coordinate communications so county actions do not interfere with LiftUp’s fundraising or operations.

The board will consider formal authorization after staff return with Wells Fargo cost/contract details and recommended administrative language.