Tag Archives: Putnam County

Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter moved quickly Monday night to replace two county department leaders. The County Commission approved the promotion of Brandon Smith to County EMA Director and Cody Maynard as Parks and Recreation Director. “When I came into office, one thing I made sure of is that we had a succession plan for all our departments,” Porter said. ... Read More »

Putnam County Parks and Recreation Director John Ross Albertson leaving his position for a new role in Longview, Texas. Albertson said he will now serve as the Director of their Parks and Recreation Department. He said the best part of his job over the past nine years has been the people, and it is bittersweet to leave them “Our department ... Read More »

Tyler Smith is stepping down as Putnam County Director of Emergency Management. Smith said he has been thinking about this for a while. He said he has been in emergency services for 38 years. “Should you continue doing this, because you go to bed at night thinking there could be another tornado coming through or there could be a chemical ... Read More »

The Cookeville Industrial Board continues to monitor SAIC’s progress after extending its job compliance agreement with the city. Chairman Bob Bell said the arrangement to have 300 technical employees by last year was made difficult by the pandemic. The extension was set to end this month, but Bell said the company had been working diligently to meet that goal. “The ... Read More »

The Putnam County Budget Committee voted Thursday night to consider a new employee pay plan which would top out salaries faster. The idea: to improve retention and increase wages. The plan gets employees to their top pay by year ten for emergency services, 15 for all other county jobs. It also incorporates the marketplace adjustments suggested by the recently-completed wage ... Read More »

Putnam County’s new fiscal year budget could require a 50-cent property tax increase if budget committee members funded every request. Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter told the committee Monday night the pre-discussion budget draft shows general fund expenditures of some $58.4 million. That is some $10.2 million over projected revenues. Committee Chair Ben Rodgers told the committee they need to ... Read More »

The Monterey Swimming Pool is now officially ready and open for the summer after dealing with pump issues. Putnam County Parks and Recreation Director John Ross Albertson said when crews were planning to open for the season, they noticed issues with the pool’s pump and motor. He said it took more than a week to find the right replacement, which ... Read More »

This weekend’s Second Annual Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant offers educational funding and skill development for future leaders. Director Johnnie Wheeler said she was excited that the pageant was adding two more classes this year to give opportunities and experience to more young women. Wheeler said the scholarship pageant focuses more on character than appearance. “And to encourage our youth to take ... Read More »

Putnam County Library approved for an additional $30,000 in the next fiscal budget by the city of Cookeville to help expand the library’s collection. Director Kathryn Wisinger said they are wanting to add more books to the library both physically and digitally. She said they have seen an increased demand, especially after giving every child in Putnam County a digital ... Read More »

Putnam County’s Martin Creek Water Project bids came in right at budget at some $1.87 million. Mayor Randy Porter said with all of the inflation and rising costs, they were surprised and pleased with the results of the bid. He said it looks like they will be able to do the entire Martin Creek area and replace lines off of ... Read More »