The Putnam County Commission made its budget known for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2024 at its Tuesday, March 26 meeting. County Manager Jeremy Young announced that the commission’s budget for the coming year is $23,994,994. In comparison, the budget for the current year was $23,187,235.

Young stated that Putnam’s levy rates will remain at their current level and below the maximum that is allowed by legislation. Young said the county’s rate is 13.75¢ while 14.3¢ is allowed. The tax collections are expected to increase in the coming year by 5.9% because of increased property value assessments.

Young said that the projected increased collections allows for a 5% wage increase for county employees with certain exceptions. Employees will see an increase in PEIA premiums of 14% with 15% of the increase falling upon employees and the rest upon the county. The county is also offering a new plan option featuring lower premiums coupled to higher deductibles.

The 2024-25 budget includes $582,000 in debt payment on the new Sheriff’s facility.

The county’s municipalities and non-profit organizations had requested $180,000 in grants from the Recreation Enhancement Fund which is dependent upon Hotel/Motel Tax collections. Only $100,000 is available from the fund. Commission preside Andy Skidmore announced that Winfield would receive $9,477.20; Buffalo, $21,200; Bancroft, 18,437.24; Eleanor, $16,500; Poca, $16,571; Putnam County Fair Board, $9,014.40; and the Historic Hoge House Foundation, $8,800. The Town of Eleanor had initially requested $44,000 for improvements at the swimming pool and Poca had asked for $35,750 for improvements at its park. The Fair Board had requested $25,000 for a variety of improvements and upgrades.

In other business, the commission approved a bid by Absten & Sons of $29,600 for an ADA Door Project at the Judicial Building. The commission also approved $10,000 for construction administration for the Bowles Ridge Waterline Extension Project.

Sheriff Bobby Eggleton used the meeting as a venue to recognize the promotion of deputies Tyson Edwards and Julie Leport to the rank of Sergeant.

The commission also reappointed Joe Rumbaugh to a three-year term on the Putnam County Historic Landmarks Board.

The commission next meets on April 16 to “Lay the Levy.” The next regular meeting will be Thursday, April 25, at 5:30 p.m.