Porter First to Receive County Financial Officer Certification
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter recently attended the state’s first-ever Certified County Financial Officer (CCFO) program and, subsequently, became the first county mayor in Tennessee to earn the designation.
Three other officials from Putnam County also achieved certification in the same class: Debby Francis, Putnam County Budget Director; Mark McReynolds, Putnam County Schools Finance Director; and Chelsea Qualls, executive assistant to Porter.
“As the chief executive and financial officer of our county, I wanted to take this opportunity to continue learning as much as possible about achieving high standards in government finance,” said Porter, who also earned his Certified Public Administrator certification in 2017. “Things constantly change, so staying on top of those changes is very important to me.”
The CCFO program was developed by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury and the University of Tennessee’s County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) to provide county financial officers the opportunity to enhance their skills in carrying out the fiscal responsibilities of their job. CTAS administers the educational program, including the testing requirements, and the Comptroller’s office is the official certification authority.
The program consists of 11 different areas of emphasis, such as county budgeting, governmental accounting, financial reporting, debt and cash management, purchasing, and payroll.
Participants must pass each section of the year-long class to achieve certification. Upon successfully completing the class, officials maintain certification by taking at least 16 hours of continuing education in accounting and finance each year.
Putnam Receives Another Clean Audit
Putnam County received its 3rd straight clean audit today. A clean audit means there were “no” adverse findings. This is historical for Putnam, as before 2017, the county had never received even one clean audit. This could not have happened without a great team of elected officials, department heads and county employees. Congratulations everyone on a great job!!!
New $150 million Project for Putnam
Welcome “Portobello America” to Putnam County and Baxter. Portobello chose Putnam County for its new $150 million manufacturing, distribution, and corporate headquarters facility which manufactures luxury floor tiles. The Brazilian ceramic/porcelain tile company will be bringing 220 new jobs to our county. The new site will located on a 92 acre tract just off the Baxter exit on Ditty Road where the old race track was once located. The $150 million will be the largest single investment from a new company in Putnam County history. Thank you Portobello for choosing Putnam County!!!
Putnam County Receives “Clean Audit” Two Years in a Row
I’m happy to announce that Putnam County has received another “Clean Audit” from the State Comptroller’s Office. This is the 2nd consecutive year in a row for Putnam which is historical. A “clean audit” means we had no adverse findings. I want to thank all the Elected Officials, Department Heads and County Employees for the great job, as it truly is a TEAM effort.
According to State Comptroller Justin Wilson, “a clean audit is a good indication that government business is on track and the residents of these counties should be encouraged that the elected officials are taking their responsibilities seriously. “I commend all of the elected officials, leaders, and county staff who have committed to provide accountability and reliability in government. This is quite an accomplishment.”
Only 13 counties audited by the Comptroller’s Office received clean audit reports in fiscal year 2017-2018 and Putnam was one of only four who had 2 consecutive years.
U.C. Airport Receives $790,000 Grant
Great to be with Aaron Tippin and Tennessee Flying Machines, as we were awarded a $790,000. Aeronautics Economic Development Grant for our airport. The grant will be used by the airport to build a new hangar that Tippin will lease and use to operate a warbird\antique aircraft restoration facility which will attract customers from across the country. The grant is 100% and has no match. This will be great for our airport and community.
New MyRide Program for Senior Citizens
Great new service for senior citizens in Putnam County called “MyRide.” The new volunteer-based program will assist area residents ages 60+ with transportation needs. For more information about MyRide call (833) 9MY-RIDE (833-969-7433) or visithttps://