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Putnam County adopts C-PACER enabling resolution over one dissent
Summary
The Board authorized a C-PACER enabling resolution that makes C-PACER available as an option in Putnam County; vote passed 3–1 with Commissioner Richard Garrett dissenting. County officials described the step as an enabling action requiring project-level approvals later.
Putnam County commissioners voted Dec. 16 to authorize a C‑PACER (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy/Resilience) enabling resolution that allows the county to opt in to C‑PACER financing as a local option for qualifying projects. The motion passed with Chairman Bill Sharp, Commissioner Tom McElhenney and Commissioner Jeff Wooten voting in favor and Commissioner Richard Garrett voting against the resolution.
Mr. Terry Lawler, chairman of the Lake Oconee Area Development Authority and the Downtown Development Authority, commented in support of endorsing the resolution. County Manager Paul Van Haute described C‑PACER in the hearing as "a private market funding mechanism for developers." County Attorney Adam Nelson cautioned that the adopted resolution is an initial step: "this resolution is step one, making it an option in Putnam County; further review of specific projects will be required later," according to the minutes.
Opponents or cautious speakers at the meeting urged delay. Mr. Billy Webster urged postponement until all five commissioners could participate; Ms. Jennifer Ray raised concerns about financial mishaps and risks associated with such programs during public comment. Commissioner Garrett cast the lone dissenting vote; the minutes do not record a detailed floor statement explaining his vote.
Because the adopted resolution only enables the county to consider C‑PACER projects, any individual project would require additional staff review and a subsequent approval process before financing or assessments could be applied to private properties.
