Aransas County Commissioners approved an emergency allocation of up to $100,000 from the county's health-care sales tax fund to Rockport Fulton Good Samaritans to respond to surging demand for food and basic needs.

The motion, introduced by a commissioner and seconded, authorized immediate distribution of $10,000 for the organization's voucher program for Thanksgiving with the remainder available as needed. Stephanie Simmons, executive director of Rockport Fulton Good Samaritans, told the court the organization served an average of 43 households in October and 58 in November, a 36% increase. "So if that pace continues, we will serve nearly 700 families this month alone," Simmons said, describing voucher, pantry and other assistance including clothing, utility and prescription help.

County auditors and staff said the health-care sales tax fund can be used for this purpose as an emergency allocation; the judge and auditor indicated the court could later make a budget adjustment if ongoing need justifies it. Commissioners discussed whether to set a higher cap (one commissioner suggested $120,000) but settled on the $100,000 authorization with the immediate $10,000 allocation for holiday assistance.

Next steps: staff will track disbursements and the nonprofit agreed to report back to the court on how funds are used.