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Putnam County to fund stipends for three public information officers across departments
Summary
The Personnel Committee backed pre-filing a resolution to release stipends for three Public Information Officers (Health Department, County Executive’s Office, Sheriff’s Office), directing a finance transfer and asking the PIOs to prepare policy and procedures to ensure consistent emergency communications.
The Putnam County Personnel Committee voted Nov. 12 to pre-file a resolution that would release funds for stipends for three Public Information Officers (PIOs), officials said.
Personnel Officer Paul Eldridge said stipends for PIOs in the Health Department, the County Executive’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office were placed in a subcontingency in the 2025 budget. He recommended approving the stipends so those staff, who are often on call in emergencies, receive compensation for extra duties.
Legislator Birmingham asked whether PIO duties went beyond the County Executive’s communications role; Eldridge said the PIOs respond to emergency information needs and coordinate with the Bureau of Emergency Services. Legislator Montgomery recommended adopting a job description to maintain consistency across administrations; Eldridge and committee members agreed the three designated employees will draft policy and procedures for the role.
County Auditor Michele Alfano-Sharkey said the Commissioner of Finance must prepare a transfer before year-end to release the funds. Chairman Jonke said he will request that transfer be prepared and presented to the Audit & Administration Committee.
