Dear Editor,
Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee, which surround Putnam County, are the jewels of Georgia’s Lake Country. Our courthouse square in downtown Eatonton and the historic district are charming.
However, beneath this charm lies a significant issue that requires immediate attention.
First, our highly paid county manager, Paul Van Haute, who, despite being a veteran, often cuts corners and does not adhere to proper procedures and the law. While I hold deep respect for Paul’s military service—having not served myself—I must question whether the armed forces would condone such behavior, especially when it involves breaking policies and disregarding rules.
Our county attorney, Adam Nelson, listed the duties of a government attorney on his website; however, I do not believe he fulfills these duties. His comment in a legal review proper times was, “I will also say, according to my review, the practice of calling a meeting with less than three business days’ notice is consistent with this Board’s recent history.” Does this mean that it is okay if you find something wrong because it is consistent with this board’s recent history?
Former Chair (Billy) Webster has highlighted how a lack of proper procedure could result in transactions being challenged and potentially nullified and provided Georgia statutes.
We have grappled with the Jimmy Davis Park advisory committee and their chairman’s resistance to providing proper notice and required records. Nothing has been done Despite bringing this to the county manager, attorney, and commission. On August 8th, I received partial documents because of a July 10 commitment from the county attorney to speak to the chair but then delegated to Lynn, our county clerk. Why do women do all the dirty work?
We have been informed that the next meeting is August 12th, and the 24-hour notice deadline was August 11 by 5 p.m.
Second, on the morning of July 23, a bond broker, Davenport, sold $22 million of GO bonds at 10:30 a.m. 15 minutes after the sale, the county directed Davenport to provide a verbal award to the selected underwriter, coordinate with an underwriter, and get final numbers. The county commission approved it at the commission meeting that started at 6 p.m.
Third, for the July 31st meeting, the county manager shortened the required three-day notice and placed an ad in the paper before the commission even received the call for the meeting. This ad announced a vote on a $.01 sales tax increase before any commission call or approval. The other two commissioners – (Daniel) Brown and (Jeff) Wooten – the chair, the county attorney, and the county manager did not ask or answer any questions. The motion was made, Commissioner Hersey left the room, and it passed 3-0.
As I mentioned earlier, we have a fundamental problem.
Don Sadler, Putnam County