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Bradley County asks Comptroller whether opioid-abatement money can buy an ambulance for overdose response
Summary
The commission voted April 20 to send a letter to the Tennessee Comptroller asking whether opioid abatement settlement funds may be used to buy an ambulance when the vehicle will be used as part of opioid response, post-overdose follow-up and connections to treatment; the motion carried 14-0.
The Bradley County Commission unanimously approved a motion April 20 to send a formal request to the Tennessee Comptroller asking whether opioid-abatement funds may be used to purchase an ambulance when the purchase is directly tied to the county’s opioid-abatement strategy.
Commissioner Josh Rogers made the motion to submit the letter seeking "written clarification regarding whether opioid abatement funds allocated to Bradley County may be used for the purchase of an ambulance when that purchase is directly tied to the County's opioid abatement strategy and intended to support overdose response, post-overdose follow-up, connection to treatment, and other opioid-related life-saving interventions." The motion passed by roll call, 14-0.
The county’s draft letter, included in the meeting packet, argues that an ambulance operated as part of opioid response is more than transportation. It says the vehicle functions as a "mobile treatment platform" — allowing EMS to rapidly respond, administer life-saving care, monitor for recurrent toxicity and link patients to treatment and recovery services — and that without that initial response the rest of an abatement strategy cannot be operationalized. The letter asks for a definitive written answer and, if the answer is yes, for guidance on documentation, restrictions or conditions that the county should satisfy before using settlement funds for such a purchase. It also asks that, if the answer is no, the Comptroller provide a clear written statement so the county can proceed accordingly.
The request was filed in writing and the county clerk’s packet shows the letter is directed to the Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury, Division of Local Government Finance and copies are marked to County Mayor D. Gary Davis and EMS Director Adam Lewis. The commission’s vote authorizes the chair to submit the request and receive written guidance.
No vote is required beyond the motion to submit the letter; the Comptroller’s office will respond to the request directly to county officials.
