Committee defers $160,200 Recovery Court/coalition funding request, asks for budget audit and schedules July 9 follow-up

The Coffee County Opioid Abatement Committee deferred action on a roughly $160,200 funding request from the county recovery court and coalition, saying the packet arrived after the county’s budget cycle closed and the committee must ensure funds are audit-ready before approving ongoing payroll and program allocations.

Alan Burnett, director of Coffee County Recovery Court and a coalition representative, told the committee the coalition plans to request a budget similar to last year’s $160,200 and recommended repurposing $20,000 previously used for "Lambie kits" to hire a part‑time coalition staffer focused on community training and school outreach. "That would be a part‑time individual," Burnett said, adding the role would coordinate training, strengthen ties with schools and support youth coalition activities.

Burnett also said the coalition purchased several overdose‑reversal "One Boxes" and planned to order 40 more at about $120 each, stocked with naloxone, for placement in public sites across Coffee County including recreation centers and the courthouse. He described the workforce and many line items in the packet as payroll-heavy.

Committee members raised procedural objections: several requests were submitted after the county budget closed and any approvals would require a formal budget amendment. Chairman Judge Robert Carter and other members urged staff to provide prior-cycle expenditure reports and invoices before the board votes. "We need to see how money was spent over the last budgets before I can make a decision," one member said.

On a motion to defer, the committee voted to postpone consideration of the coalition’s request until members can consult with the budget director and review previous budgets and invoices. The transcript records a motion to defer and subsequent agreement to reconvene; the committee set the next meeting for July 9 at 5:30 p.m. so members have time to review documents and discuss potential budget amendments.

Committee members said they want the coalition to detail payroll allocations, indicate where the 40 One Boxes will be placed, and provide evidence of community benefit (attendee counts, school liaison placement, and program outcomes) so the county can justify any amendment to the legislative budget. The committee indicated it will also ask County Budget Director Mary Ann to advise on timing and on whether short‑term stopgap funding is needed to cover payroll until formal approval is possible.