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Commissioners ask DA to request $1.5 million back from state recipient after Donahue project changes
Summary
The Oklahoma County commissioners directed the district attorney to request repayment of the county’s $1.5 million philanthropic contribution toward the Donahue/Griffin Memorial Hospital initiative, pending verification of whether funds were spent, and agreed to split any returned funds equally among the three commission districts.
Oklahoma County commissioners voted to ask the district attorney’s office to request repayment of $1.5 million the county contributed toward a philanthropic initiative to relocate Griffin Memorial Hospital (the Donahue project), after the original siting with OSU did not proceed and OSU’s project plans changed.
Staff reported that philanthropic partners originally donated about $10 million for the project and that the county contributed $1.5 million of that total. Several philanthropic donors have since asked for their funds back after OSU’s proposed site and the Griffin Memorial plan changed; staff said two foundations have already begun formal requests. Jessica (staff member) said the county’s recipient agreement is with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and that the county must determine whether any of the donated funds already have been spent on construction, lease or design costs before requesting repayment.
Commissioners moved that the district attorney draft a formal request for full repayment of the $1.5 million from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and that, if repaid, the funds be split equally among the three commission districts. A voice vote approved the motion; one commissioner abstained.
Staff said they will pursue fact‑finding with OSU Healthy Minds Healthy Living and the Department of Mental Health to learn whether funds were expended and to secure documentation of payments where applicable. The county manager will represent the commission in follow‑up conversations, and staff aim to have a draft DA letter prepared promptly to accompany meetings with OSU and the state agency.
