White County Commission approves opioid-settlement appropriations, funds Seeds of Hope and treatment court positions

White County commissioners on April 20 approved moving $140,000 from a restricted opioid-abatement fund into the county general fund and authorized three initial allocations from that money: $50,000 to Seeds of Hope, $3,600 to the White County School System and $36,000 to the Tennessee Community Service Agency to expand services tied to the county—s Family Treatment Court.

The vote followed presentations from county staff and representatives of local programs. Commissioner Kyle Goff said the $140,000 originated from the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council and represented the county—s first disbursement of that source. "This is our first drop of a hundred and $40,000," Goff said, noting the money came through the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council and was part of 2023 funding.

The county said the appropriation does not send the money to providers immediately but moves the funds into the general fund so the commission can allocate them. Executive Robinson told commissioners the allocations being approved covered the remainder of the 2025 calendar year; the county will reopen requests for the 2026 funding cycle in late 2025. Robinson also said the county has applied for an extension on the state timeline for initial allocations.

Program representatives described how they would use the grants. A representative of the Tennessee Community Service Agency said the $36,000 would "expand that position from a part time to a full time position" for administration of the White County Family Treatment Court, enabling intensive case management, faster treatment connections and assistance with fines and fees that impede participants' progress. Gina Lomax of Seeds of Hope said "the majority of the $50,000 will be going back to the population that we serve," and described the organization—s on-site, faith-based services and client testimonials.

Commissioners and staff described the application process and eligibility. The county said it distributed an application with a $50,000 per-organization cap and evaluated requests through a community group and the budget committee; the initial application review emphasized justice-involved services but was later broadened to include prevention and general treatment access. Robinson said the county would require annual reapplications and hold grantees accountable via contracts and receipt reviews.

Commissioners asked whether funds could pay for medications such as Suboxone and whether training for first responders would be eligible. Robinson said the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council publishes an approved-use list; the county would follow that guidance. He added: "We're only paying for services, labor, stuff to help people. We won't be paying for any another drug," explaining the county—s current application language excludes direct payment for drugs.

The commission approved the appropriation and the three awards in roll-call votes, with 11 commissioners voting yes and three absent. Commissioners were told the opioid-abatement payments are recurring but decline over time; the settlement streams are expected to continue for roughly 20 years but with decreasing annual payments.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 26-04-2025: Move $140,000 from a restricted opioid-abatement fund into the general fund (source: Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council). Outcome: approved, roll call 11-0 (3 absent). - Resolution 27-04-2025: $50,000 to Seeds of Hope (program support, majority to client services). Outcome: approved, roll call 11-0 (3 absent). - Resolution 28-04-2025: $3,600 to White County School System (calendar-year operating support as requested). Outcome: approved, roll call 11-0 (3 absent). - Resolution 29-04-2025: $36,000 to Tennessee Community Service Agency for White County Family Treatment Court (to expand a part-time position to full-time and provide client supports). Outcome: approved, roll call 11-0 (3 absent).

What this means

The county moved initial opioid-settlement dollars into the general fund and authorized seed grants intended to start or sustain local treatment, court-based recovery services and prevention work through Dec. 31, 2025. County staff said they plan to reopen the application and allocation process for 2026 funds later this year and will require grantees to reapply annually and to submit receipts for review.

Next steps

Robinson said the county will continue to route additional requests through the steering committee (Health & Safety) and the budget committee before bringing recommendations to the full commission. Commissioners were warned the total settlement stream will decline in future years and were advised to consider sustainability for programs funded with these initial awards.