Putnam Mayor Believes County Outgrew 2020 Census Data
Putnam County is the 17th largest county in the state after the U.S. Census data was released. The population total is 79,854, with 10.4 percent growth. Mayor Randy Porter said it was an unusual census, with delays in the numbers being released and pandemic issues during the data collection. Porter said that talk around the […]
Baxter Issues Ordinances Amending Fuel Storage, Construction Requirements
Baxter City Council passed an ordinance Thursday night amending fuel storage requirements. Building and Codes Official Bob Lane said that Baxter’s current ordinance does not allow for more than 500 gallons of combustible liquid above ground. Lane said that the new ordinance will prohibit only gasoline citing its volatility. He said that the need for […]
Putnam Construction Permits Slow Due To Material Costs
Building material costs have finally slowed down Putnam County construction permits. Mayor Randy Porter said July saw 26 permits for $3.3 million in construction costs, nine being single family homes. Porter said that last July had 44 permits for $6.1 million. Porter said that in talking with contractors, the belief is that material costs have […]
Putnam Fire Station On Gainesboro Grade Closer To Completion
The bid to rough in a new Putnam County fire station on Gainesboro Grade has been awarded. County Fire Chief Tom Brown said the price for this portion of work on the fire station came in at $41,000. Brown said there is still work to be done before the new station becomes operational. “The building […]
Putnam Sheriff Says Jail Expansion Will Affect Offender Sentencing
Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said Monday night’s commission vote to approve a $52.7 million jail expansion bond is a very important moment. Farris said the jail has been under a Tennessee Corrections Institute plan of action to address overcrowding since he became sheriff. Farris said the over 600 beds will affect sentencing for offenders […]
Cookeville In Works To Widen West Steven Street To Ease Traffic
Cookeville Public Works is working on a plan to widen West Stevens Street in an attempt to help with an increase in traffic flow. Director Greg Brown said the work would facilitate east to west traffic as more people seek other driving routes apart from the main roads. “To try to distribute the traffic between […]
Algood Passes Ordinances To Help With Flooding Concerns
Algood made changes Tuesday night to city ordinances to address flooding concerns. The city passed ordinances for drainage, storm water and driveways. City Administrator Keith Morrison said too often developers have been adding to the city’s storm water problems. “The biggest change in this policy is that it moved the drainage improvements to the beginning […]
Smithville’s New Police Department Building Nearly Complete
Smithville anticipates the city’s new Police Department Building to be completed in mid-August. Mayor Josh Miller said police officers will greatly benefit from the much needed space. “They have about 800 square feet to work in right now, and they are about to move in to a 12,000 square foot facility,” Miller said. “A lot […]
HRS Aiming For Late Summer Completion Of Oak Tree Towers
Highland Residential Services Oak Tree Towers nears completion as final touches are made. Director of Operations Chris Cassetty said the exterior of the building is complete, but painting and flooring still remains. “Our original completion date was right at the end of June, the first of July,” Cassetty said. “Obviously, we are not going to make […]
Putnam Sets Its All-Time Construction Record During Fiscal Year
Putnam County has set its all-time record for building construction during the last fiscal year. Mayor Randy Porter said there were 382 permits totaling $61 million issued. Porter said that all of the county is seeing construction as builders look to create or add onto subdivisions. “You would think with all the many things we’ve […]
