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Council declines UT Memphis funding request after questions about staffing costs
Summary
The council voted to deny a proposed UT Memphis contract (revised to a three‑year $3 million term) after members raised concerns that a large share of the budget would fund two salaries; several council members recused from the vote for faculty affiliations.
The Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council voted Jan. 23 not to move forward with funding for a revised UT Memphis contract. Sean Smith explained UT Memphis had revised a prior proposal—moving from a 10‑year/endowment request to a 3‑year contract that would not change the total $3 million cost—but multiple council members questioned line‑item allocations, particularly the portion devoted to salaries.
Dr. Tim Fournette moved that the council not approve the funding for the UT Memphis program; Sheriff Casey Cox seconded. Members expressed concern that the majority of the grant would fund two positions and that the program might deliver education rather than direct treatment dollars. Dr. Clay Jackson and Dr. Stephanie Vanderpool noted conflicts of interest because of faculty appointments and were recorded as recused on the topic.
Mary Shelton conducted a roll‑call vote; the motion to deny the funding request carried. The council recorded the denial and returned to its other agenda items.
Votes at a glance: motion to deny was moved by Dr. Tim Fournette and seconded by Sheriff Casey Cox. Several members recused themselves from participation on the UT Memphis item; the motion passed with a majority of participating members voting to deny.
