Putnam Sets Up Fund For Repairing County Buildings

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — The Putnam County Legislature voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a $2 million budget transfer into a Facilities Improvement Fund that Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne has set up for making what he called "desperately needed" improvements and repairs to existing county facilities.

"The condition of numerous County facilities has deteriorated over the past decade," Byrne said in a news release about the vote. "Many of our existing facilities that provide for the core functions of county government need serious repairs and upgrades. Our public employees deserve to work in buildings they can take pride in, and where they feel safe and secure. Likewise, our residents and visitors who utilize our county spaces and services should feel the same."

Examples of specific projects the County Facilities Improvement Fund can be used for were cited in Byrne’s State of the County address; and, subject to additional legislative approval, include structural repairs to the Board of Elections building as well as exterior and roof repairs at the Koehler Memorial Senior Center.

It's a shift in priorities, after years of improvements were focused on more recreational facilities under the County’s purview, such as Tilly Foster Farm and the County Golf Course, county officials said.

In 2022, the previous administration allocated money from the federal American Relief and Recovery Act to the golf course before determining any other use for the funds, a move that drew some opposition. SEE: Putnam Allots $400000 For Golf Course Renovations

Legislator Bill Gouldman, Chair of the Physical Services Committee, said the new Facilities Improvement Fund was an investment for the county's future.

"While our residents may not frequent these buildings every day, the public servants working for our residents are. They need facilities that are conducive to serving our constituents," he said. "I’m delighted my colleagues in the legislature all agreed to support this measure."

The fund is expected to also be used to support various ADA accessibility improvements. Byrne has recommitted the county to ThinkDIFFERENTLY, a movement to change the way individuals, government, and businesses think about and interact with those of all abilities.

"Making sure our employees have a comfortable environment in which to work, increasing accessibility, and making county facilities more welcome to residents should be a priority and I’m proud to have supported the measure," said Legislative Chairman Paul Jonke. "I thank the County Executive for proposing this budget transfer in his State of the County, and look forward to seeing these projects move forward."

Other improvements and repairs will be added as the Capital Projects Workgroup evaluates the needs of each county department and division, and provides recommendations to the Legislature, county officials said.