This Week: White County Fire Merger; Cumberland Discusses Hiring
White County Commissioners will vote Monday night on the proposed merger of the Central View and Mt. Gilead Fire Departments. The two departments asked for the move as a way to increase efficiency. Commissioners will also discuss plans to establish new speed limits on Blue Springs Road, and Duck Pond Road. The meeting begins Monday […]
Rodgers Said Work Session Might Be In Order To Talk Putnam Wheel Tax
The idea of a wheel tax for Putnam County residents surfaced during this year’s budget committee meetings as a way to create additional revenue. Commission Chair Ben Rodgers said the idea came up again at this month’s commission meeting. Commissioner Sam Sandlin said time was ticking to get the idea before the public if it […]
Rodgers Re-Elected As Chair Of County Commission; New Public Comment Policy
Putnam County Commissioners re-elected Ben Rodgers as chair for the new commission year Monday night. Commissioner Chris Cassetty will serve as chair pro-tem. The Commission’s Fiscal Review committee elected Kathy Dunn as chair with Cathy Reel elected as vice chair. Terry Randolph selected as chair of Planning Committee, with Darren Wilson elected as vice chair. […]
Putnam K-9 Bolt Set To Retire From Narcotics Work Friday
Friday will be the final day of work for a noted member of the Putnam County Sheriffs Department. K-9 Bolt began serving thee county in 2015. He will retire Friday, set to live with Sheriffs Department Lieutenant Richard Cobble. “It’s going to be a challenge for him to slow down because we go wide open […]
Putnam Takes Another Step In Trying To Recruit 4-Company Project
Putnam County Commissioners approved the county applying for a State Industrial Access project Monday night which could be part of a Baxter-area development. The county, the Cookeville Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and the city of Baxter are working together on Project Global. County Mayor Randy Porter said the project could bring 100+ jobs to […]
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 […]
Putnam EMS Looks For 10 New On-Road Positions, Crews Too Busy
Putnam County EMS wants to add ten new on-the-road positions to deal with an increased call volume. EMS Chief Tommy Copeland presented his requests to the County Budget Committee Monday night. Copeland said each truck is making about 2,800 calls per year, making Putnam County’s Ambulance Service one of the busiest in the state. “We […]
Commissioners Hear Putnam Schools Growth & Maintenance Needs
Putnam County Commissioners got the School System’s syllabus for this year’s budget, the system’s anticipated growth needs, and capital project priorities during a joint session Monday night. Commissioner Darren Wilson said he appreciated the overview which included a facilities and maintenance priority list through the 2028 school year. “I do like the fact that they’ve […]
Putnam Commissioners Sold Old Bridge Road Property Monday
Putnam County Commissioners agreed to the sell of the Old Bridge Road property Monday night that had once been used as an election precinct. The county will receive $85,000 for the purchase of the facility. The sale passed unanimously 24-0. Commissioners agreed several months ago to allow the property to be sold after some local […]
