Putnam County Board of Commissioners

“My Verizon phone and AT&T phone through work don’t really work at her house,” Hassel Weems told the Putnam County Commission, referring to his mother’s property where she wants to lease a small area to a cellular tower builder. “Those people can’t call 911 if the power is out.” CONTRIBUTED

“My Verizon phone and AT&T phone through work don’t really work at her house,” Hassel Weems told the Putnam County Commission, referring to his mother’s property where she wants to lease a small area to a cellular tower builder. “Those people can’t call 911 if the power is out.” CONTRIBUTED

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Putnam Commissioners approve another new cell tower

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The Sept. 16 Putnam County Commission meeting opened with a Planning and Zoning hearing on a request to build a new 255-foot cell tower on land owned by 83-year-old BJ Weems, whose family has been on the property at 1103 Oconee Springs Road for nearly a century.
Retiring Senior Personal Property Appraiser Leisa Reid reacts to receiving an official Putnam County proclamation recognizing her 48 years of service to the county from Chairman Bill Sharp prior to last Friday’s county commission meeting. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Retiring Senior Personal Property Appraiser Leisa Reid reacts to receiving an official Putnam County proclamation recognizing her 48 years of service to the county from Chairman Bill Sharp prior to last Friday’s county commission meeting. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Commission meeting opens with county recognitions

Ian Tocher
Thursday, September 11, 2025
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners met last Friday and opened with four public proclamations.The first acknowledged the retirement of Senior Personal Property Appraiser Leisa Reid in the county’s tax office and recognized her 48 years of service to Putnam County.
Eatonton City Councilmember Janie Reid (right) addressed the Putnam County Commission last Friday, praising the efforts of Beyond the Bell Executive Director Sandra Dean to establish educational programs for kids at Jimmy Davis Park. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton City Councilmember Janie Reid (right) addressed the Putnam County Commission last Friday, praising the efforts of Beyond the Bell Executive Director Sandra Dean to establish educational programs for kids at Jimmy Davis Park. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Commissioners hear Jimmy Davis Park plans

Ian Tocher
Thursday, September 11, 2025
The Sept. 5 Putnam County Board of Commissioners meeting focused on a proposed afterschool and summer enrichment program, as well as several land use and infrastructure issues.Commissioners Tom McElhenney (District 1), Richard Garrett (Dist. 2), Stephen Hersey (Dist.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Commission tables Phoenix Crossing gas station request

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Putnam County commissioners hit the pause button last Tuesday on a controversial rezoning request that would allow a convenience store with gas pumps near the Phoenix Crossing subdivision.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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BOC approves Twin Bridges cell tower

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
During its Aug. 19 meeting, the Putnam County Commission heard of plans to construct a 255-foot cell tower to improve cellular service and broadband access for rural residents near the west end of Lake Sinclair.
The area beneath and around the pointer is slated for commercial development, but nearby Thunder Valley residents insist it must adhere to long-established stipulations. GOOGLE EARTH

The area beneath and around the pointer is slated for commercial development, but nearby Thunder Valley residents insist it must adhere to long-established stipulations. GOOGLE EARTH

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BOC hears Thunder Valley construction concerns

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Last Friday morning, during the first of two regularly scheduled meetings this month, Putnam County commissioners heard from several residents of the Thunder Valley neighborhood concerned about commercial development in the area.Thunder Valley borders Lake Oconee on the east side of Hwy.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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County department wish lists – Part II

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
In a work session on April 11 at the county commission building, Putnam County department heads and representatives made their pitches before the Putnam County Board of Commissioners, explaining projects and/or acquisitions they would like to see funded over the next six years if a successful,...
Putnam General Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Pam Douglas with Chief of Staff Dr. Dan Bennett addressed Putnam County commissioners last week. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam General Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Pam Douglas with Chief of Staff Dr. Dan Bennett addressed Putnam County commissioners last week. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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County departments’ wish lists are long and expensive

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
In a work session last Friday at the county commission building, Putnam County department heads and representatives made their pitches before the County Board of Commissioners, explaining projects and/or acquisitions they would like to see funded over the next six years if a successful, renewed...
L-R: District 4 Commissioner Jeff Wooten speaks as Dr. Steve Hersey (Dist. 3), Richard Garrett (Dist. 2), Tom McElhenney (Dist. 1), Commission Chair Bill Sharp, County Attorney Adam Nelson, and County Manager Paul Van Haute look on April 4 during a scheduled commission meeting. IAN TOCHER/Staff

L-R: District 4 Commissioner Jeff Wooten speaks as Dr. Steve Hersey (Dist. 3), Richard Garrett (Dist. 2), Tom McElhenney (Dist. 1), Commission Chair Bill Sharp, County Attorney Adam Nelson, and County Manager Paul Van Haute look on April 4 during a scheduled commission meeting. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Commissioners vote down construction moratorium

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners held its first of two regularly scheduled monthly meetings on April 4, ultimately dominated by discussion of a 90-day moratorium on issuing building permits in District 3, proposed by Commissioner Steve Hersey.
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