Putnam County to close two drop‑off centers on Mondays, extend hours other days to improve staff retention

Jay Tilton, director of sanitation, proposed closing the Huntington and Interlachen drop‑off sites on Mondays and extending hours the rest of the week to better align employee schedules with a 4‑10 plan and to reduce turnover. Tilton said Putnam County currently operates universal curbside pickup and remains the only Northeast Florida county with drop‑off sites open six days per week; several neighboring counties operate sites fewer days.

Tilton said the proposed change would allow sanitation employees to have a two‑day weekend and added that extending hours would provide additional opportunities for working residents to use the facilities outside standard work hours. He recommended a July 1 start date and said signage and public outreach would accompany the change.

Commissioner Harvey raised concerns about perception and potential illegal dumping in West Putnam if closures occur on Mondays, and asked whether starting the change at the fiscal‑year start (October) would be preferable. Tilton responded that Monday is not the busiest day and that the department would publicize the change; Administrator Saggs and Commissioner Alexander said messaging around extended hours — rather than “closed Monday” — would help public acceptance.

After discussion, the board approved the recommendation to close Huntington and Interlachen Solid Waste and Recycling Centers on Mondays per Tilton’s proposal. Staff said the change would reduce employee turnover pressures and could yield some hauling and fuel savings; the weekday open hours presented were 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., replacing the prior 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule.