The long drawn out process of the Putnam County Health Department and their new building are slowly taking steps in the right direction. One more step was taken Monday morning as the Putnam County Commissioners voted 2-1 to begin the process of purchasing the property at 309 Medic Way for $700,000.
That price is what split the commissioners on the decision as all three firmly agreed that the health department needs a new location, however the price is not what everyone had hoped.
Commissioner Andy Beck was the one opposed as he stated “I think the price is way too much, but they simply need a place to be. My vote of no is against the price, not of the new location.”
Commissioner President Rick Woodall told those in attendance that the price was below two different appraisals that were done on the building. One of the appraisals was near the $815,000 range while the other was lower, but still around $750,000.
“I do want to give the hospital some credit in offering it lower than either appraisal,” Commissioner Tom Helmer added.
There’s still plenty of work to be done as the commissioners will establish a contract with what Woodall stated as “firm penalties” if the building isn’t vacated in a timely manner.
“We still have to do a scope of work to look for all of the renovation that need to be done,” Woodall concluded.
The building is 1.08 acres and is 7,390 square feet of space.
The Putnam County Council will now also look at the agreement and state their opinions at their meeting which is slated for tonight (Oct. 21).
In other business the Commissioners
- Heard a report from County Highway Director Clint Maddox.
Maddox presented and requested signatures form the commissioners to begin the process of the 2026 Community Crossings Grant. Maddox stated that the counties plan in 2026 is to pave 6.1 miles of road.
- Approved a request from Fraternal Order of Police member Darrell Bunten to once again hold Christmas at the Courthouse on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. – noon.
- Approved a PTO Policy change in regards to county workers who were on 24-hour shift schedules.
- Approved Adam Logan to serve on the Walnut Creek Fire District.
- Gave their blessing for the Cemetery Board to hire Bane Engineering company to GIS Mark every gravestone in the county.
The contract with Bane Engineering will be for $2,750 the first year and $750 every year after.
The next meeting of the Putnam County Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 3 at 9 a.m. at the Putnam County Courthouse.
Other topics discussed at this meeting will appear in a separate story in the Banner Graphic.
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