Tenn. Code Ann. § 6-54-906: Direct payments

In addition to the authority to reimburse expenses provided in this part, municipalities may pay directly for travel expenses, including meals and lodging, and registration fees for conferences, conventions, seminars, and other education programs on behalf of the mayor, and any member of the local governing body, and any board or committee member elected or appointed by the mayor or local governing body, and any official or employee whose salary is set by charter or general law, provided payment is made directly to the provider and not to the official or employee.