Putnam County Board of Commissioners

District 2 Commissioner Richard Garrett makes a point during the Aug. 7 meeting, with District 3’s Steve Hersey (left) and Tom McElhenney of District 1 listening. District 4 Commissioner Jeff Wooten was absent. IAN TOCHER/Staff

District 2 Commissioner Richard Garrett makes a point during the Aug. 7 meeting, with District 3’s Steve Hersey (left) and Tom McElhenney of District 1 listening. District 4 Commissioner Jeff Wooten was absent. IAN TOCHER/Staff

County considers development, taxes

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 20, 2026
The Putnam County Commission spent much of a lengthy Aug. 7 meeting discussing the county’s proposed budget and tax burden while also taking steps toward tighter development regulations, including a temporary moratorium on data centers, battery storage facilities and large-scale solar farms.The...
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Putnam commissioners taking politics out of paving priorities

Ian Tocher
Thursday, July 30, 2026
During its regularly scheduled meeting on July 21, the Putnam County Board of Commissioners took a step toward removing politics from road-paving decisions.The four-member board unanimously approved an artificial intelligence-based pavement assessment service that claims to provide an objective...
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Commissioners consider solid waste fees due to rising costs

Ian Tocher
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Putnam County residents could soon see a separate solid waste fee appear on their property tax bills as county leaders look for new ways to fund rising garbage collection and convenience center costs while lessening pressure on property taxes.During its June 26 meeting, the Putnam County Board of...
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

County opens data center discussion, licenses to sell alcohol tabled

Ian Tocher
Thursday, June 11, 2026
The Putnam County Commission met on June 5, with commissioners tackling alcohol licensing enforcement, commercial growth, and how the county might prepare for emerging technologies like data centers.Commissioners unanimously voted to table an alcohol license application submitted by Welcome to the...
Approximately 500 lighted drones are expected to create various patriotic scenes July 3, in the night sky over Eatonton. (From LunaLite on Instagram)

Approximately 500 lighted drones are expected to create various patriotic scenes July 3, in the night sky over Eatonton. (From LunaLite on Instagram)

Commissioners award contract for Independence Day drone show

Ian Tocher
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Last month, the Putnam County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved hosting a drone show celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary.District 2 Commissioner Richard Garrett, who researched options for the event, recommended awarding a $39,500 contract to LunaLite Drone Show Technologies,...
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Commissioners hear concerns, proposals

Ian Tocher
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Public access, civic celebration, and youth development took center stage on March 17, as residents addressed the Putnam County Board of Commissioners.
The site concept plan for Harmony Village provides for an assisted living center (lower right) built alongside up to 124 individual, age-restricted cottages. CONTRIBUTED

The site concept plan for Harmony Village provides for an assisted living center (lower right) built alongside up to 124 individual, age-restricted cottages. CONTRIBUTED

Commissioners approve 63-acre Harmony Village

Ian Tocher
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Following months of delays and nearly two hours of debate last Tuesday night, the Putnam County Board of Commissioners approved a 63-acre mixed-use senior living development along Harmony Road, clearing the way for an assisted living and memory care facility surrounded by age-restricted...
On behalf of his fellow coaches and a roster 39 players, Alexander Banks, head coach of the 2025 Putnam County Middle School War Eagles football team, accepted a framed proclamation last Tuesday night recognizing the team’s 2025 state championship from (l-r) Commissioner Jeff Wooten, Chairman Bill Sharp, and Commissioner Tom McElhenney. IAN TOCHER/Staff

On behalf of his fellow coaches and a roster 39 players, Alexander Banks, head coach of the 2025 Putnam County Middle School War Eagles football team, accepted a framed proclamation last Tuesday night recognizing the team’s 2025 state championship from (l-r) Commissioner Jeff Wooten, Chairman Bill Sharp, and Commissioner Tom McElhenney. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Citizens raise concerns to county commission

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners met Dec. 16, opening with a ceremonial moment as Chairman Bill Sharp presented a proclamation honoring the 2025 Putnam County Middle School football team to head coach Alexander Banks.
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