The agenda for the August 13 meeting of the Putnam County Commission included updates concerning ongoing and proposed water projects throughout the county and program updates from county entities and agencies.

Terry Martin of the Regional Intergovernmental Council advised the commission that the deadline for 2025 HUD Development Grants is approaching. Martin suggested scheduling a public meeting for the purpose of identifying qualifying low and moderate income areas.

Martin had bad news for Deerfield Estate residents. The Critical Needs Project which would have funded water to Deerfield is projected to exceed the $2 million funding limit. When estimates exceed the limit, all funding by the State is denied. The county is not allowed to supplement the overage. Martin said that he had been hopeful that the state legislature would increase the $2 million limit but a bill to do so died in committee.

Jim Nagy of Terradon informed the commission that $844,000 would be required to extend water service on Riffee Ridge. The project would entail almost two miles in lines and a booster station at the midpoint. Martin said that cancellation of the Deerfield Estates project would allow RIC to apply for Critical Needs funding for Riffee Ridge. Martin plans to present the commission with an update concerning Riffee Ridge at the first commission meeting in September.

Nagy told the commission that the Bowles Ridge extension was complete and customers could expect water before the end of the month. Nagy also advised the commission of progress on the Custer Ridge project. All but one user agreement had been obtained and the preliminary layout completed.

Following the water updates, the commission received reports from Kelli Steele, director of the Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Morganne Tinney, executive director of the Putnam County Development Authority; Crystal Moberley, executive director of the Putnam County Health Department; Megan Tarbett, executive director of the Putnam County Library; Justin Williams of Parks & Recreation; and Jamie Hunt of Day Report.

In other business, Jason Moore and Ashley Deal were appointed to new terms on the Putnam County Parks and Recreation Commission.

The next county commission meeting will be 5 p.m. on August 27th.