Civics and Politics

County OKs Settlement for Civil Rights Violation


Putnam County’s practice in civil forfeiture matters does not provide the plaintiff with due process of law by not timely notifying a finance company of an impounded vehicle’s seizure and not providing the company an opportunity to be heard, a judge has found. The decision comes in connection with a civil forfeiture case and will now cost the county over […]

Legislature Receives Outline of Dept. of General Services


Putnam County has created the Department of General Services by merging its Purchasing and IT/GIS departments. At last week’s meeting of the legislature’s Rules Committee, the department’s new commissioner, John Tully, explained how the new branch of county government will increase efficiency and cost effectiveness while consolidating operations and maximizing resources. It is to provide centralized, coordinated services to other […]

ARPA Funding Reallocation Approved


Two years ago funding totaling $19.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies was awarded to Putnam County. During her State of the County address in March 2022, then-County Executive Mary- Ellen Odell proposed that the county allocate $5 million of the county’s ARPA funds to be used by Putnam’s nine municipalities. She also proposed that $5 million of […]

Byrne Touts Strong State of the County, Berates NYS


County Executive Kevin Byrne described 2023 as a “banner year for Putnam County” during his second State of the County address. The 19-page, 69-minute presentation was last Thursday evening (March 7) at Tilly’s Table in Southeast before members of the Putnam Legislature. Some 100 others also attended, including a number of county officials, Carmel Supervisor Mike Cazzari, Cold Spring Mayor […]

State Sen. Harckham Faces Challenge in November


For the second time in as many years, Putnam County State Senator Peter Harckham is facing a challenge from Gina Arena. The Putnam County Republican Committee endorsed the Purdys resident at its nominating convention held in Mahopac. Arena expressed thanks to the GOP delegates, promising to run as a “unified team with Congressman Mike Lawler, Assemblyman Matt Slater and all […]

Nesheiwat Named as Jail Chief Medical Officer


Add another title to Dr. Michael Nesheiwat’s resume: The Putnam Legislature at its meeting last week appointed Dr. Nesheiwat as the county’s Jail Chief Medical Officer. Earlier this month, Dr. Nesheiwat agreed to remain as Putnam Health Commissioner until a replacement was found. Dr. Nesheiwat was slated to retire on Dec. 31, 2022, but agreed to stay on through last […]

Details Released on Contract Settlement for County Managers


Putnam legislators have learned the details of the 25-member Putnam County Management Association’s new contract, approved by the union members last month. Discussion at last week’s meeting of the Personnel Committee indicated the pact runs from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2027. Salary increases of 2.75 percent this year and 2.5 percent for each of the next three years […]

Democrat to Challenge State Senator Rob Rolison in November


The Minority Leader of the Dutchess County Legislature, Yvette Valdes- Smith, has announced her candidacy to challenge first-term Putnam County Republican State Senator Rob Rolison in November. Rolison represents the 39th State Senate District which encompasses Philipstown and Putnam Valley in addition to sections of Dutchess and Orange counties. At a news conference Saturday in Beacon, Valdes-Smith said that as […]

Laura Russo Seeks Putnam Legislative Seat


Laura Russo hopes to succeed Ginny Nacerino on the Putnam Legislature next year. The 18-year resident of Putnam Lake has announced her candidacy running on the GOP ticket this fall. Russo is a longtime member of the Putnam Lake Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the Putnam County Volunteer Fireman’s Association Ladies Auxiliary and also serves as chair of the Putnam Lake […]

Putnam-Dutchess Job Growth Soars


Private sector jobs in the Hudson Valley rose during the past year by 6,100, or 0.8 percent, to 809,800 in December 2023. NYS Department of Labor spokesman Johny Nelson issued the state’s findings last Thursday that indicated the largest gains were in private education and health services, leisure and hospitality and other services while job losses were centered in mining, […]


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