The last order of business on the agenda for the October 24 Putnam County Commission meeting was to finalize the purchase of the former Putnam PSD headquarters at 74 Scott Depot Road. The Commission unanimously approved the payment of $289,500 for the building and property.
Commission President Andy Skidmore said that 911 Director Mikyle White had identified the building as a location where OEM could provide supplemental services. The building will also provide space for other future needs that may arise.
“The purchase price, just under $300,000. I think the appraised value was a little over $500,000. It was a no-brainer business decision for us to take the building and put it to good use,” Skidmore stated.
In other business of note, the commission approved pay raises recommended by County Clerk Brian Wood for poll workers in next year’s elections. Wood asked that Early Voting workers received an increase from $10/hr to $12/hr and Seasonal Workers be increased from $10.50 to $13/hr; Poll Worker Training increased to $75 and Election Day Workers from $175 to $200.
Wood said that the increases were justified based upon rates paid by other counties. The new rates will place Putnam poll worker pay above the statewide average and were needed to recruit new workers.
The commission recognized the Winfield High School Golf Team with a resolution. The team won the Class AA State Championship by 48 strokes and placed four on the All-State team.
State Senator Eric Tarr also received special recognition at the commission meeting for his role in providing a new funding stream for fire departments throughout the state. Teays Valley Fire Department Chief John Smoot presented Tarr with a TVFD helmet bearing Tarr’s name. Smoot said that Senator Tarr caused needed funding of $12 million to become available to fire departments during the span of three weeks. Smoot said that the quick response to his request was unexpected.
Commissioner Steve Deweese read a proclamation declaring Sunday, November 5, to be Veteran’s Appreciation Day in Putnam County. Veteran Appreciation Day ceremonies will be held at the courthouse parking lot at 2:00 p.m. on that day.
The next county commission meeting will be Tuesday, November 14.
