Putnam Commissioners Approve Jail Proposal Request
The Putnam County Commissioners voted Monday to move forward with a request for proposals to oversee the jail expansion. A construction manager would oversee and direct the expansion project. Commissioners gave County Mayor Randy Porter authorization to request proposals and begin negotiations on an agreement. Judge Doug McKenzie of the Corrections Committee called the RFP […]
Committees Named To Consider Fairgrounds, Jefferson Properties
Two committees will consider plans for the Putnam County Fairgrounds property as well as the South Jefferson Avenue property that currently houses the school bus garage and the highway department. Putnam County Commissioners formed the two working groups Monday night to further explore the sale of the county property. Commissioners Chair Mike Atwood said the […]
Active Rules Committee for Future of Putnam
Putnam County Commission Chair Mike Atwood said last week it would benefit the commission to review the county rules. Atwood said he hopes there would not be any reluctance to review county rules and regulations by those elected to serve. Atwood said his suggestion for an active rules committee is about being prepared for the […]
Putnam Commission Chair Says Jail Intentions are Clear
Putnam County Commissioners Chair Mike Atwood said a working group decided to keep the jail and justice center downtown after much consideration. Atwood was on the committee appointed two years ago that studied the issues on where to expand the jail and justice center. He said he does not know why it would be suggested […]
Sources: Miller Threatens Commissioners Over Jail Project
Cookeville City Council member Mark Miller threatened to stop the county’s plans to renovate the jail and justice center in calls to county commissioners Monday. Miller made at least three calls to county commissioners Monday, according to sources. He told the commissioners that he would use the powers of the City Council to stop the […]
Commissioners Ask Justice Center Parking Questions
After some 90 minutes of questions from Putnam County Commissioners at a Monday Night work session, the board will once again consider the purchase of two pieces of land near the county justice center next week. The board voted against the purchase last month, effectively ending the plan to expand the jail and court room […]
Planning Committee Asks For Appraisals On All Property
The Putnam County Commissioners Planning Committee voted 8-4 Monday night to require an appraisal on any piece of property the county will purchase. County Commissioner Cathy Reels said everyone needs to know the property’s value. “I think we’ve just been buying property lately and not knowing exactly the appraisal of a lot of the property,” […]
Putnam Commissioner Votes No on Jail Land Purchase
Putnam County Commissioner Kevin Christopher said he does not support the county jail expanding so close to residential areas. Christopher said the jail has reached its capacity within a generation and believes Cookeville will only continue to grow as time passes. Leading Christopher to vote no Monday on a land purchase to expand the jail’s […]
Current Economics Swayed One Putnam Commissioner
One Putnam County Commissioner who voted against every purchase of land around the Justice Center Monday night said the current economic situation made the decision for her. District Four Representative Theresa Tayes said investing money right now did not make sense. “We’re in trying times right now,” Tayes said. “We need to think about the […]
Atwood Elected Chair Putnam Commissioners
Mike Atwood will serve as the new chair of the Putnam County Commissioners. In the first meeting of the new fiscal year, county commissioners reorganized the committees and leadership. The two-year terms begin immediately. Atwood serves district 12. He replaces Ben Rodgers who has served as chairman the last two years. Jim Martin was elected […]
