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Council authorizes one-year MOU to add peer recovery specialists to crisis-response program
Summary
City officials authorized a one-year memorandum of understanding with UCHRA to place certified peer recovery specialists alongside the Cookeville Community Response (CCR) team; staff said the first year carries no direct city cost and is intended as a trial to evaluate future funding.
City officials on June 4 approved a one-year memorandum of understanding with the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency to integrate certified peer recovery specialists with the Cookeville Community Response team.
"The purpose of the collaboration would be to enhance response efforts for individuals experiencing substance-use disorders, mental-health crisis, and other related challenges by providing peer-based recovery support, resource linkage, and follow-up services," Mr. Mills told the council as he recommended authorization for the city to execute the MOU.
Staff described the partnership as a trial year beginning July 1, 2026, that can be terminated by either side with 30 days' notice. According to staff, there is no immediate direct cost to the city for the first year; the MOU also contemplates working with UCHRA to pursue future funding should the pilot prove successful.
Council members praised the CCR program and expressed strong support for expanding peer-based outreach. The council approved the MOU authorization by a recorded voice vote (clerk recorded "5 yes, motion carries").
Council directed staff to execute the MOU and report back with any recommended funding changes should the city consider continuing the program beyond the one-year trial.
