Putnam County Commission honored its outgoing members and elected officials as the current body held its final meeting before the new term begins in September.
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the commission has approved a significant list of infrastructure and community projects over the last four years. Porter said the accomplishments include a new jail addition, multiple new schools, the replacement of all fire stations, and the construction of a new fairgrounds and convention center.
“This has been in my mind a great commission to work with,” Porter said. “I was honored to work with you for the past four years. You have done a lot for the citizens of Putnam County and you’ve always been very respectful to each other.”
Porter said the county is also seeing the departure of three long-time elected officials: Road Supervisor Randy Jones, Trustee Freddie Nelson, and County Clerk Wayne Nabors.
“I want to say for the past 12 years I’ve been honored to serve with you as an elected official in Putnam County and I think that the group of elected officials we have have always been great to work with the commission and the city councils and mayors and all the other government officials in Putnam County,” Porter said. “We have something very special here in Putnam County where everyone gets along and y’all have all worked great with us and great together.”
Porter said the commission utilized various funding sources for recent projects, including American Rescue Plan funds and state grants. Porter said these funds supported the health department addition, library expansion, and the extension of broadband to every resident and business in the county.
“And also my prayers are with the new folks that are coming in as new county commissioners and new elected officials that they continue that honorable service that you have shown and elected officials have shown in working together and doing what’s best for the citizens of Putnam County,” Porter said. “And I think you all deserve a round of applause.”
Commissioner David Gentry said serving with the current body has been a great honor. Gentry said he loves his fellow commissioners and wished them the best of luck in the future.
“I would like to echo my fellow commissioner’s comments,” Commissioner Vondra said. “It’s been a great honor. Thank you for letting me serve with you and God bless you all in the future.”
The meeting concluded with Commissioner Rogers making the final motion to adjourn the session.
