Some taxpayers get break

Amid concerns over the delay in property taxes this year, there may be good news for some homeowners.

Putnam County Auditor Stephanie Campbell told the Putnam County Council Tuesday evening that when property tax bills are received, people will have some relief in the way of a homestead credit.

The credit has been applied to the bills, which will make them lower, Campbell explained. It doesn't mean the property value has gone down.

The bad news: Campbell said property taxes have hit farmers hard this year, by way of higher bills.

With the first round of bills going out now, the second round could take place after the first of the year.

In other business:

The Putnam County Sheriff's Department requested $4,021 to replace the keypad at the back door of the jail. The current keypad has faded. They want to install a system that will require an entry card. The Putnam County Council tentatively approved the request.

The department reported spending $12,000 per month on fuel for cars. They were able to cut the cell phone bill by half and were approved to transfer funds to cover that bill.

Meanwhile, the council is preparing for its annual budget hearings where it will decide budgets for county departments. Those meetings are set for next Monday and Tuesday at the Putnam County Courthouse Annex. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. and the public is invited.