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Putnam speakers urge support for SB 1066; commissioners stress need for local input and data
Summary
Multiple Putnam County residents urged the commission to support Senate Bill 1066 (and companion HB 981) to restore springs and plan for transition around the Rodman Reservoir; commissioners acknowledged support but stressed the need for empirical studies and a local seat at the table.
Several Putnam County residents urged the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 24 to support Senate Bill 1066 and companion House Bill 981, legislation described by supporters as a package to restore springs, reduce reliance on the aging Rodman dam and invest in local recreation and economic transition.
Vernon Meyers, a Putnam County resident and former Palatka mayor, told the board that, in his view, "Senate Bill 1066 does not take water away from Putnam. It strengthens water security by restoring springs, reviving the floodplain forest that naturally stores and filters water and reducing reliance on an aging high‑risk dam and reservoir." Meyers urged the commission to support the legislation and said the bill would provide Putnam County a formal seat at the table to guide community transition and state investments.
Linda Myers, who described past service as Putnam County tax collector, county commissioner and chamber president, told the board the bill would address public safety, create targeted economic investments for Putnam and Marion counties, and establish an advisory council with local voices to guide state investment in recreation and the local economy.
Several commissioners praised constituents’ advocacy and said they want Putnam County included early in legislative and planning conversations. Commissioners stressed that the county must be represented "at the table" when decisions affecting the Ocklawaha/Rodman system are made and said they did not want a bill to be written without local input.
At the same time, some commissioners raised technical concerns about potential aquifer and well impacts from any change to the Rodman pool elevation and cited older government studies that document hydrologic connections between the Rodman pool and groundwater levels. Commissioners asked for empirical, peer‑reviewed data on aquifer impacts within the county and emphasized the need to balance public‑safety, environmental and economic considerations.
The board did not take a formal vote on a legislative endorsement at the meeting. Commissioners said they would continue to press for Putnam County representation in state discussions and seek clear, data‑based assessments of local water and well impacts before advancing formal positions.
