Tenn. Code Ann. § 69-5-132

The county legislative body has the right to contribute, out of the general county fund, such amount as it sees fit to be used in the payment of such preliminary expenses, without requiring the same to be paid back or refunded to the county; and where any county has previously, by order of the county legislative body, advanced or paid any of the preliminary expenses, the county legislative body may, if it sees fit, by proper order donate the amount, or any part thereof, and not require the amount so donated or contributed to be paid back or refunded to the county.