Tag Archives: Putnam County Commission

Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said Monday night’s commission vote to approve a $52.7 million jail expansion bond is a very important moment. Farris said the jail has been under a Tennessee Corrections Institute plan of action to address overcrowding since he became sheriff. Farris said the over 600 beds will affect sentencing for offenders who need to be incarcerated. ... Read More »

The Putnam County School Board is interested in exploring a change in the way sales taxes fund the school system. Currently, schools are operating on a flat sales tax rate. Chairman Lynn McHenry said that in switch from a flat rate to a percentage rate, it would be an opportunity to see an increase in revenue. “It will give us ... Read More »

Putnam County 911 will look to increase its department by adding two full-time dispatchers. Director Penny Foister said if the employees are included in the county budget this would bring the dispatch staff to 14. Foister said that calls are increasing across the board and funds are finally available to add staff. “We get money from the surcharges that you ... Read More »

The Putnam County Fairgrounds is zoned for medium to large-scale commercial development. That is according to Cookeville Planning Director Jon Ward. The Putnam County Commission approved Mayor Randy Porter’s pursuit of a private sale Monday. Ward said the 35 acres is zoned regional commercial, which is the same as the Shoppes at Eagle Point on Interstate Drive. “The CR district ... Read More »

Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter will pursue a private sale of the Putnam County Fairgrounds. County Commissioners approved the move Monday night and declared the fairgrounds as surplus property. Porter presented the pros and cons for four sale options to the commission: sealed bid, public auction, internet auction, or private sale. Porter said the first two options would not be ... Read More »

Discussions about building a new k-8 school in Putnam County are expected to come up as the budget process begins. County Commissioner Mike Atwood said the school system is the single largest part of the county’s budget. Atwood said commissioners are prepared to discuss the need for a new school, because this topic is not new for them. “When we ... Read More »

As the budget process begins the Putnam County School System will reignite discussions with the county commission about a new K-8 school. The Countywide wide enrollment capacity stands at roughly 86 percent. Director of Schools Corby King said the system’s one to two percent annual enrollment growth, is outpacing projected growth from an earlier study. King said the need will ... Read More »

Putnam County’s Bus and Fairgrounds Committees are both waiting to formally meet until architectural drawings become available. Mayor Randy Porter said the Fairgrounds Committee will have about three to four layout plans to review for a new location. Porter said an architect is still evaluating the Bus Garage and Highway Department’s needs for a new building. “Being able to look ... Read More »

Putnam County Commissioner Jonathan Williams said current economic uncertainties need to be considered as the county considers selling two pieces of property. The county fairgrounds valued at $10.1 million is being considered for auction next spring. The possible sale of the Highway Department’s school bus garage property adjacent to the Jefferson Walmart is appraised at $2.8 million. “We have COVID-19. ... Read More »

Putnam County administration will begin the process of engineering and planning to replace the Patton Doll House Museum. The museum, located along Highway 70, suffered irreparable damage during the March tornado, especially to the building’s foundation. FEMA will replace the building with $300,000 allocated for the project. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter wants to build a two-story building to house ... Read More »