Putnam Commissioners; School Board Discuss New High School
Several Putnam County Commissioners questioned the timing of exploring a new high school for Cookeville. Director Of Schools Corby King said school officials constantly hear from parents concerned about the size of Cookeville. The building can hold 2,500 students and the current population stands around 2,200. School Board Chair Lynn McHenry said some of the […]
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 […]
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 […]
Putnam Commissioners Approve Work Release Program
The Putnam County Sheriffs Department will launch a new work release program when the expanded jail opens. Putnam County Commissioners approved the program Monday night. Sheriff Eddie Farris said up to 30 inmates could participate. He said inmates could either qualify to continue working existing jobs and serve time at night, or be selected to […]
Putnam Commissioners Oppose Methadone Clinic
Putnam County Commissioners passed a resolution Monday night opposing the establishment of a Methadone Clinic in Putnam County. The resolution notes methadone’s link to brain tissue damage that can cause learning and problem-solving issues, slower thinking, and respiratory problems as a prominent reason for opposition. It also points out that venture capital investors view methadone […]
Putnam Budget Passes With Cost Of Living Raise
The Putnam County Commission Budget Committee approved all proposed budgets with no changes Monday night. The final budget will include $1,000 cost of living increases for all full time county employees. That is in addition to the step raises included in the pay plan adopted last year. Mayor Randy Porter said the flat rate increase […]
Putnam Commissioners To Consider Cost Of Living Raise
When the Putnam County Commissioners meet next Monday to potentially decide on a new budget, they will consider cost of living adjustments for employees. Commissioner Jonathan Williams asked to see what a two percent increase for full-time employees and four percent for police, fire, and EMS workers would cost the county. Putnam County Mayor Randy […]
Sheriff Pushing For New Inmate Work Program
Putnam County Commissioners will consider a new work release program for inmates who wish to gain employment while incarcerated. Sheriff Eddie Farris said the jail renovations are designed to allow this type of program. He said the department would receive an administrative fee from participating businesses and another chunk of the money inmates earn would […]
Commissioners Pass Senior Tax Freeze Program
Putnam County Commissioners approved implementation of the Tax Freeze Act Monday night, providing property tax relief to some low-income residents. Qualifying individuals 65 or older, meeting the income threshold, could apply to the county to have the tax rate frozen, despite any future property tax increases. Commissioners passed the act unanimously after several months of […]
Cravens: Schools, Commissioners Understand Fiscal Issues
Putnam County School Board Chair Kim Cravens said she believes the school board and county commissioners are on the same page about upcoming educational needs in the county. The two bodies discussed both the upcoming fiscal year budget during a meeting last week and more long-term issues. Cravens said the meeting helped create a mutual […]
