The Putnam County Board of Commissioners met Jan. 20 in its first regularly scheduled meeting for 2026.
It was a lengthy, occasionally contentious affair that addressed a wide range of routine approvals, appointments, and policy debates, with several instances of sanctioned public participation throughout the evening.
The board began by unanimously approving the consent agenda, which included approval of the Dec. 16, 2025, meeting minutes and the issuance of 2026 alcohol licenses, consisting of 11 renewals and one new pouring license for the Italian Chophouse of Lake Oconee.
Commissioners filled a vacancy on the Eatonton Putnam Water and Sewer Authority. After nominations, discussion of residency and potential conflicts of interest, and a roll-call vote, Jay Bowden was selected to serve a four-year term ending in January 2030.
The board authorized Chairman Bill Sharp to sign a revised memorandum of understanding with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, correcting minor errors and maintaining the county’s current funding structure. Commissioners also approved resolutions setting qualifying fees for the 2026 election and updating the county’s open records officer designation following the retirement of the former finance director.
Transportation concerns dominated the later discussion, as commissioners voted to schedule a public hearing on proposed changes to Chapter 46 of the county code regarding roads and truck traffic. The proposed ordinance would give law enforcement authority to restrict heavy trucks from using certain county roads as cut-through routes, an issue raised by residents concerned about speeding, road damage, and safety.
The most extensive portion of the meeting focused on proposed amendments to Chapter 2 of the county code governing administration, meeting procedures, and public comment rules. Multiple residents spoke strongly against changes that would have limited public comment, restricted the use of county equipment during citizen presentations, and adjusted meeting start times. Speakers warned of potential legal issues, reduced public participation, and damage to public trust.
In response, commissioners introduced several amendments before ultimately voting to schedule a public hearing on a significantly revised version of the proposal. Changes related to public comment limits, restrictions on presentation equipment, and limits on commissioner discussion time were removed from the draft that will be presented to the public. Other administrative updates, such as departmental clarifications, will still be considered at the hearing.
Later in the meeting, commissioners debated a previously approved resolution authorizing participation in the C-PACE financing program, which allows private lenders to fund energy-efficient improvements secured through property assessments. District 3 Commissioner Steve Hersey spoke at length against participation, or at least urged the county to take another look at potential financial pitfalls.
A motion to rescind the earlier approval and hold a town hall failed, but the board agreed to direct Hersey to work with County Attorney Adam Nelson to document concerns and return with proposed revisions. Commissioners also agreed to schedule a town hall to gather public input before taking any further action.