Putnam County commissioners approve proclamations and credit cards, table Russellville siren and E911 tower repair requests

At its March 2 meeting the Putnam County Board of Commissioners approved several routine and departmental items and tabled two requests pending further information.

The board unanimously approved an Ag Day proclamation designating March 14, 2026. Commissioners also approved a request from Mental Health of America to place green light bulbs in courthouse porch areas for mental health awareness, continuing a prior practice.

Veterans Officer Brian Hopkins was granted a $1,000 county credit card to cover training expenses. EMA Director Sarah Owen received approval for a $1,000 county credit card to pay for fuel for the department vehicle while the highway fuel station is offline. The county also approved requested changes to the county email system presented by DJ Hendrich of KDMIT and approved continuation of the American Legal online ordinances service.

Two requests were tabled: Daniel Justiniano asked the county to cover the roughly $20,000 shortfall for a quoted $33,000 tornado siren for Russellville; commissioners said paying for one town's siren could set a countywide precedent and voted to table the request. E911 Director David Clodfelter presented a $22,650 quote from Electronic Communication Systems, Inc. for tower repairs; commissioners asked if other quotes had been obtained and Clodfelter said he was awaiting responses; the board tabled action on that repair.

The sheriff presented a draft courthouse security budget proposing one full-time officer and three part-time officers to provide courthouse security; commissioners asked questions about vehicle needs and scheduling and said they will meet again after receiving additional details.

Minutes from February 16 (regular and executive sessions) were approved, and the meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.