More Money, Better Funding Plan Coming For Centers
Putnam County Commissioners will vote later this month on increased funding for local senior center, then the county will get to work on a more systemized approach to budgeting. Centers in Baxter, Monterey, and Algood have been receiving $15,000 annually, with $40,000 allocated to Cookeville last year. Commissioners grew uncomfortable during the budget process when […]
CRMC Budget Approved, 12 Percent Increase
Cookeville City Council approved Cookeville Regional’s fiscal year budget which includes some $7 million in positive net income. Cookeville Finance Director Brenda Imel said the budget projects a 12 percent increase in both revenue and expenses from its fiscal year 2023 projections. She said the budget includes some $14 million in expansion and innovation projects. […]
AARP Free Tax Filing Begins Tuesday At Cookeville Library
Residents needing help getting taxes filed can get free tax preparation services beginning Tuesday at the Cookeville Public Library. Cookeville AARP Program Coordinator Jim Kammerer said the program is designed for the elderly, but anyone can participate. He said those without the resources to use a paid tax preparer can get service of equal quality […]
Costs Of Additional School Board Seats Main Concern For Van Buren BOE
Van Buren County School Board Chair Ricky Walling said he does not have an issue if the school board increases to 10 members. The Van Buren Commission has scheduled a work session for November 30th to discuss the possibility introduced by Commissioner William Maxwell. But, Walling said the only concern in his mind is the […]
Tennessee Textbook Affordability Task Force Sends Resolution Suggestions To Comptroller
The Tennessee Textbook Affordability Task Force has sent resolutions to the Comptroller’s Office in hopes of finding alternative solutions to cut college textbook expenses. Tennessee Tech’s Public Service Coordinator Sharon Holderman is one of some 50 representatives for universities across the state on the task force. She said that their goal is to help universities […]
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 […]
COVID Relief Spending On Employees, New Buildings Not Advised
The idea of spending COVID relief funding on pay raises and new hires have been discussed as ways to fill positions. However, County Government Consultant Ben Rodgers said American Rescue Plan and ESSER funding should address long-term goals, without reoccurring costs. Rodgers said the funding will not be there in a few years, bringing repercussions […]
Algood Park Phase One Bids Come In Higher Than Anticipated
Bids have come in higher than anticipated for phase one of Algood’s 21-acre park. $675,000 was allocated in the budget for the park, however three bids all came in over $1 million dollars. City Administrator Keith Morrison said the city will have to reconvene with bidders about moving forward. “Try to go over some things, […]
Tennessee Tech Combating Rising Textbook Costs For Students
Tennessee Tech has launched an online resource to help combat the rising costs of textbooks. Volpe Library Public Services Coordinator Sharon Holderman said in some cases this could eliminate costs for required course materials. Holderman said faculty will use the site to lower the financial burden on students. “It takes evaluating to see whether or […]
Tax Deadline Extended Due To Stimulus Package
The deadline to file taxes has been extended by just over a month, providing relief to people filing and preparing taxes this season. Cannon, Clark, Holman & Associates CPA Jim Cannon said the latest stimulus package played into moving the deadline to May 17. Cannon said the IRS also started processing tax returns two weeks […]
