State Legislators Want Direct Constituent Input Before Public Safety Special Session Held
State legislators will step back to consider how to move forward with potential firearm legislation and public safety. Governor Bill Lee announced two weeks ago that the General Assembly would meet in a special session to discuss those topics. He said there is broad agreement that dangerous, unstable individuals who intend to harm themselves or […]
Wheaton: Communication Between Hospital And City Council Should Continue Expanding
The CRMC Medical Team spent time with Cookeville City Council Monday, something Mayor Laurin Wheaton said she wants to continue. Wheaton said communication is an integral part of the relationship between the council and the medical facility. She said while it is a city-owned hospital, the council does not actually control the day-t0-day. “But we […]
TCI Dept. Director Cautions Putnam Commission About Understaffed Jail
Tennessee Correction Institute’s Deputy Director says Putnam County Commissioners need to think more carefully about staffing at the new justice center. Bob Bass said if the jail is understaffed, it runs the risk of damages. “Protect your investment, it’s very important to protect your investment,” Bass said. “Inmates won’t manage themselves. I wish they would, […]
White Co Budget Committee Examines Three Pay Options
White County Budget Committee discussed potential options for employee raises Monday night. As the budget process begins, the county has revenues of just over $15 million with a shortage of some $789,000. The committee asked to look at three different pay scenarios including a graduated scale, a flat $2 per hour increase, and a 3 […]
Livingston Customers To Start Receiving New Utility Bills
Livingston Utility customers will start seeing new utility bills in their mail. Mayor Curtis Hayes said the new bills will be mailed to customers as the new system goes online. Utilities Manager Sheree Jolley: “Our new bills in there, they look so much better than the postcards we have,” Jolley said. “They’re more updated.” Hayes […]
Putnam First Budget: $10.4 Million Expense Increase
Putnam County’s first budget proposal shows an increase in expenses of some $10.4 million. County Mayor Randy Porter shared the roughly $58.4 million in department head requests with the County Budget Committee Monday night. “Just remember, it’s a process,” Porter said. “We always make it. We’ll just have to work through it. Don’t get aggravated, […]
Monterey Passes New Budget, Concern About New Position
The Monterey Board of Aldermen passed its new fiscal year budget on first reading Monday night. However, the budget passed on just a four to three vote. Aldermen divided over $35,000 budgeted for a new position of Assistant to the Cultural Administrator. Finance Committee Chair Bill Wiggins said the position was needed to allow the […]
Farris Proposes 60 New Law Enforcement Positions For Justice Center
Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris wants to add roughly 60 new positions to help staff the new justice center. A CTAS study shared with the County Budget Committee Monday night suggested the county needed at least 110 new employees to operate the expanded facility. “I don’t think we can afford 110 new employees,” Farris said. […]
