Board approves $5,000 advance to Graceful Gems to cover upfront program costs

The Rutherford County opioid board voted to grant Graceful Gems a $5,000 cash advance to cover up-front costs for programming that has been funded this cycle.

Sarah presented midyear reports for new grantees and described Graceful Gems’ cash-flow issue: the agency had been advancing costs before reimbursement and requested a short-term advance. "A $5,000 request is, I think, both, a reasonable, conservative amount to request," Sarah said, noting standard documentation and receipts would still be required.

A motion was made to grant the request; staff called the roll. Commissioners and board members recorded affirmative votes: Commissioner Peay, Jamie Haley, William Coe, Judge Frady, Lori Flippo and Chairman Harris all voted yes and the motion passed.

Staff said advances have been given previously to new agencies and will require the same reconciliation and documentation as reimbursements. The board did not change the requirement that grantees provide receipts and reporting that justify expenditures.

The immediate implementation task is for grants staff to process the cash advance and track subsequent documentation and reimbursements.