Putnam Budget Committee Weighs School Funding Change
The Putnam County Commissioners Budget Committee will recommend a change to its funding mechanism for the school system, reverting back to a percentage of the sales tax instead of the current flat rate. The committee made the decision Thursday night after a presentation from Putnam County Director of Schools Corby King. King said the change […]
Housing Authority To Close Sale Of Claude Darwin Property Wednesday
Highlands Residential Services set to close on the sale of Claude Darwin Apartments Wednesday. The 1.5-acre property off Cookeville’s Walnut Avenue is being sold for $2 million. The board originally asked $3 million for the property. Director of Operations Chris Cassetty said the sale price was adjusted because of the market. “It’s really close to […]
Stewart Set As Highlands Residential’s New Director Of Operations
Kelly Stewart will serve Highland Residential Services as its new Director Of Operations. Stewart said he is currently serving as the interim Director Of Operations, training every day to take over the job fully on January 1. Stewart said that he was offered the job on the same day the current Director Of Operations Chris […]
27.5 Cent Property Tax Increase On Table For Putnam Budget
The Putnam County Budget Committee voted 6-1 Thursday to take the next step with a 27.5 cent property tax increase for county residents. The approved proposal includes fully funding a new pay scale plan for county employees and 91 new employees. Mayor Randy Porter and his team will bring more formal cost estimates to the […]
Putnam Budget Committee To Consider New Pay Plan, Ask For Price Tag
The Putnam County Budget Committee voted Thursday night to consider a new employee pay plan which would top out salaries faster. The idea: to improve retention and increase wages. The plan gets employees to their top pay by year ten for emergency services, 15 for all other county jobs. It also incorporates the marketplace adjustments […]
Putnam Committee Requests Numbers To Meet Salary Study Increases
The Putnam County Budget Committee asking all department heads and elected officials to take the new salary study and figure out how much it would cost to fund all the changes needed. The work will be based on the average differences for each position based on similar-sized cities and counties as well as the private […]
Cookeville To Contribute $250K To HRS Redbud Village Proposed Housing
The City of Cookeville will vote to aid Highlands Residential Services with its proposed housing project with a $250,000 contribution. Highlands Director of Operations Chris Cassetty said Redbud Village is projected to be a 20-unit development geared towards victims of domestic violence or those at risk of homelessness. He said the city’s contribution will supplement […]
Commissioners Hear Putnam Schools Growth & Maintenance Needs
Putnam County Commissioners got the School System’s syllabus for this year’s budget, the system’s anticipated growth needs, and capital project priorities during a joint session Monday night. Commissioner Darren Wilson said he appreciated the overview which included a facilities and maintenance priority list through the 2028 school year. “I do like the fact that they’ve […]
