New Helipad Improves Putnam County Emergency Response
Putnam County launching a new initiative to install a network of concrete helipads to streamline emergency medical evacuations for first responders. Putnam County Commissioner Jonathan Williams said the project originated from conversations with paramedics and pilots. “The idea struck me that we really needed some safe pre-designated constructed places for these helicopters to land so […]
Putnam County Commissioners Named For General Election
Some 22 percent of Putnam County voters turned out Tuesday to help decide six contested Republican primaries for County Commission. Former Commissioner Joe Iwanyszyn failed in his bid to return to the commission. Gene Mullins won District 10 to advance, with 36 percent of the vote. Kim Bradford advances with 34 percent. Iwanyszyn finished third […]
Putnam Approves New Changes To Commissioner Pay
Putnam County Commissioners approved a new pay structure Monday night that will adjust how much future commissioners will be paid. Commission Chairman Chris Cassetty said under the new structure, commissioners will receive one-twenty-fourth of the county mayor’s salary, divided into monthly payments and then further divided based on meeting attendance. Cassetty noted that commissioner pay […]
Putnam Budget Committee Approves New Budget
The Putnam County Budget Committee agreed on a new fiscal year budget Thursday night after reviewing department head cuts and deciding on cost-of-living adjustments. Department heads asked Monday to cut ten percent of this year’s increased expenditures. County Mayor Randy Porter said that reduced the budget gap to about $3.2 million which can be covered […]
Putnam Budget Committee Deliberating COLA Method
The Putnam County Budget Committee deciding on how to give a cost of living adjustment to employees in the new fiscal year during Monday’s meeting. Budget Committee Chair Ben Rodgers said Putnam County currently offers employees a step raise, which is meant to keep up with cost of living. Rodgers said in years past, the […]
Putnam Sets April 15 Budget Meeting, Committee
Putnam County will begin its budget work with a first budget committee meeting April 15. Commissioners ratified County Mayor Randy Porter’s nine-person committee selection. The committee includes David Andrews, Grover Bennett, Ron Chaffin, Kathy Dunn, David Gentry, Adam Johnson, Dale Moss, Ben Rodgers, and Jonathan Williams. The state mandates commissioners’ approval of a budget calendar. […]
Commissioners Express Concerns About Nabors’ Decision
A move by Putnam County Clerk Wayne Nabors to use collected fees for employee bonuses drew the ire of several Putnam County Commissioners. Nabors received commission approval to use some $20,000 in restricted money to provide bonuses to employees inside the County Clerk’s Office. Restricted funds are generated by the department and can only be […]
Putnam To Front Senior Centers Grant Money For Kitchen Equipment
Putnam County Commissioners voted Monday night to purchase kitchen equipment for its senior centers that cannot afford to spend reimbursable grant money. Mayor Randy Porter said the state awarded $30,000 reimbursable grants to every senior citizen center across the state. He said the centers in Baxter, Algood, and Monterey have let him know that they […]
Putnam Commissioners Approve Budget With 18.8 Cent Property Tax Increase
After about an hour of discussion Monday night, Putnam County Commissioners approved a new fiscal year budget with an 18.8 cent property tax increase. The county will use some $6.5 million in fund balance to make up the budget deficit, reducing the reserves to about $18 million. That’s still above the Comptroller’s request that a […]
Putnam Proposed Property Tax Increase Down To 18.8 Cents
The Putnam County Budget Committee voted Monday to reduce the property tax increase to 18.8 cents, sending the budget to Mayor Randy Porter to be finalized. The budget includes 91 new employees, the majority of which will serve the expanded County Justice Center. It also includes a marketplace adjustment to bring county salaries more in […]
