Commissioners, School Board Hold Joint Budget Workshop
The Putnam County School Board introduced the first draft of next school year’s budget to the County Commissioners in a joint workshop Monday evening. Director Of Schools Corby King presented the budget which features a $5.2 million gap. County Commission Chair Chris Cassetty said inflation makes the budget discussions even more challenging. “The cost of […]
Putnam Employees To See Rise In Insurance Co-Pays
Putnam County employees will see an increase in co-pays after the county commission approved a slight change to the county’s health insurance. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said due to the rising number of claims, the county faced an estimated $400,000 increase in health insurance costs. Insurance Broker Shawn Bennett said the county could reduce […]
Putnam Approves Bus Garage/Maintenance Facility Bid
Putnam County Commissioners awarded a $3.4 million bid Monday night to begin earthwork on a new school bus garage and county maintenance facility. The first segment of work includes utilities, streets, and building pads for the Tennessee Avenue project. County Mayor Randy Porter said the commission initially rejected bids for the overall project more than […]
Commissioners On How To Handle High School Options
Putnam County Commissioners split on how to handle an option agreement for a piece of land on Old Sparta Road.
Putnam Approves New Cameras For Sheriff’s Department
The shooting of a Cookeville-based Highway Patrol Officer more than a week ago led Putnam County Commissioners to make a change to the county’s budget approved Monday night. Commissioner Vinnie Faccinto said he spoke with Sheriff Eddie Farris after the shooting and learned that there are gaps in the county’s specialized camera monitoring. Farris said […]
Putnam Approves Budget With 3 Changes
Putnam County Commissioners approved the new fiscal year budget Monday night, adding some $380,000 in expenditures. The increase the result of more funding for the local senior centers, new camera surveillance equipment for the sheriff’s department, and commission change to the cost-of-living raise for county employees. The commission voted to increase raises to $1,500. County […]
Putnam Circuit Court Doubles Debt Collection Goal
After being granted a new position dedicated to collecting outstanding criminal court debt, the Putnam County Circuit Court doubled its $150,000 goal this fiscal year. Circuit Court Clerk Jennifer Wilkerson said in ten months since the Putnam County Commission budgeted for the new position, some $320,000 in outstanding fees have been collected. She said while […]
Ben Rodgers Moving On From CTAS To State Position
Ben Rodgers will move on from his position as the Upper Cumberland’s CTAS County Government Consultant to become the Executive Director of the Tennessee County Officials Association. Rodgers said after some 20 years with CTAS, he never imagined he would leave, but he could not ignore the opportunity in front of him. He said his […]
Putnam Sheriff Offering Classes For Retired Officers
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department will hold a firearm certification course for retired law enforcement at the Department’s training facility in Baxter. Sheriff Eddie Farris said 2004 legislation allows retired officers to carry a firearm anywhere in the United States by participating in annual training. He said the Department is proud to offer resources and […]
This Week: White County Will Vote On Landfill Negotiation
This week the White County Commission will discuss allowing County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson to handle negotiations for the sale of the county landfill. The solid waste committees last week heard presentations from two potential companies seeking to manage the landfill and Waste Management received a higher score than its competitor. The negotiations will include […]
