The Putnam County Board of Commissioners spent much of its April 21 meeting focused on core operations, including healthcare infrastructure and fire protection, while rejecting a proposed ordinance change tied to financial disclosures for appointed board members.
Early in what turned out to be a nearly 3.5-hour meeting, the board considered — but ultimately rejected — a proposal by District 3 Commissioner Stephen Hersey that would have required members of certain county authorities to file annual financial disclosure forms similar to those submitted by elected officials.
Hersey framed the suggestion as a transparency initiative meant to identify potential conflicts of interest among anyone appointed to positions with access to public funds.
He argued the requirement would mirror existing obligations for elected officials and provide an additional safeguard against ethical concerns. However, his fellow commissioners expressed doubt, suggesting it could discourage applicants from already hard-to-fill volunteer roles.
Upon request, County Attorney Adam Nelson confirmed existing statutes already include enforcement mechanisms — up to criminal penalties in cases of self-dealing. He added, however, that those measures are typically applied only after serious violations occur.
Ultimately, the board declined to move the proposal forward, voting against scheduling a public hearing that would have been the next step in the process.
Putnam General Hospital CEO Alan Horton then addressed the commission, introducing the hospital’s lead physicians, Dan Bennett and Scott Stinson. They collectively revisited ongoing needs at the Eatonton hospital, including funding made available through Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) allocations.
Nelson was again called upon to confirm that the county had previously entered into an intergovernmental agreement tied to hospital funding, including a commitment of approximately $1 million through an earlier SPLOST cycle. Commissioners indicated such investments remain critical as the hospital works to maintain and expand its capabilities, particularly in diagnostic services.
Among the key concerns raised was the need for updated imaging equipment, including a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner, which officials have previously identified as an essential tool for both emergency and routine care. Commissioners acknowledged that access to modern diagnostic technology directly affects patient outcomes and the hospital’s ability to serve residents locally rather than transferring them to larger regional facilities.
The issue ties into broader conversations about sustaining rural healthcare systems, where access to advanced equipment can determine whether facilities remain viable in the long term.
After some debate and confirmation from soon-to-retire County Manager Paul Van Haute that approximately $1.9 million remains available in the county’s SPLOST IX account, a resolution was unanimously passed by the county. The hospital authority agrees to an amended agreement for the distribution of SPLOST IX funds, including an additional $500,000 limited specifically to the CT scanner project.
Fire department operations were up next, with commissioners acknowledging persistent challenges related to staffing, recruitment, and increasing demands placed on volunteer firefighters.
Putnam County Fire Department Chief Thomas McClain addressed the commission about the difficulty of maintaining adequate coverage across a largely rural county, where departments rely heavily on individuals willing to commit significant time without compensation.
The conversation highlighted the balance between maintaining service levels and avoiding additional barriers that could discourage participation. Commissioners acknowledged the strain volunteer fire departments already face, with fewer individuals able to meet the time and training requirements necessary to respond to calls. As development continues within the county and call volumes rise, those pressures are expected to increase.
McClain also pitched a request for the county to build a safer turning and parking area for emergency vehicles, including large fire trucks, alongside northbound U.S. Route 441 near Lake Sinclair, opposite the Georgia Power Plant Branch site. He described it as a restricted acceleration/deceleration lane designed to make turning around and parking at the southern end of the county safer and easier for emergency responders.
No immediate action was taken.
In discussing fire service and broader public safety, commissioners also underscored the importance of supporting existing personnel while finding ways to attract new volunteers. While no formal policy changes were adopted, the tone of the discussion suggested future decisions — particularly those affecting volunteer roles — will be weighed against their potential impact on recruitment and retention.
Commissioners also considered a proposed community event tied to this year’s 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
District 2 Commissioner Richard Garrett presented a plan for a county-sponsored drone show, outlining a proposal featuring approximately 500 drones in a coordinated aerial display lasting about 15 minutes.
Garrett said the concept emerged after he researched alternatives to traditional fireworks, citing cost, safety, and environmental concerns. The estimated cost of the drone show, provided by a Florida-based company, would be approximately $40,000, which Garrett described as “competitive” based on his research into comparable options.
Garrett also noted such a display could be scheduled near — but not on — the Fourth of July and paired with other community activities, including vendors and family-oriented attractions. Van Haute confirmed to Chairman Bill Sharp that the county could afford the expenditure if necessary.
The commission largely responded positively to the idea, viewing it as an opportunity to host a large-scale public event without the risks associated with fireworks, particularly in dry conditions. While no formal vote was taken, the board indicated it intends to revisit the proposal with more detailed planning and potential funding options at a future meeting.
Garrett mentioned a timely decision will be required since other communities nationwide are considering similar alternatives to fireworks.
The meeting also included routine updates and announcements.
Garrett shared plans to recognize the Putnam County High School Class of 1971 — the first integrated graduating class in county history — with a formal acknowledgment later this year.
He also relayed a request from a resident seeking assistance with removing hazardous trees, asking for community support from individuals with the necessary equipment and expertise.
District 4 Commissioner Jeff Wooten highlighted the county’s regulatory environment, noting development standards and permitting processes remain more stringent than in some neighboring areas. He credited county staff with maintaining oversight that helps prevent issues seen elsewhere, particularly in construction and land use.
Sharp closed the meeting with updates on infrastructure, including the start of paving work on Harmony Road. He advised residents to expect delays as crews begin work, including resurfacing and other improvements along portions of the corridor.