Putnam County Advances Emergency Communication Tower and Lowers Employee Health Insurance Costs

The Putnam County Legislature approved the transfer of four Philipstown properties to facilitate the construction of a 120-foot emergency communications tower at the town's Highway Department garage in Nelsonville. This development is part of a broader project to upgrade communications infrastructure for firefighters and police officers, addressing issues with the previous low-band system. The Open Space Institute, holding a conservation easement on the property, agreed to permit the tower's construction in exchange for the donation of 17 parcels of land to the Hudson Highlands Land Trust, thereby expanding a local preserve. The tower lease agreement includes a nominal annual fee and an initial term of 35 years. This project, costing about $13 million, has been in progress for eight years and is essential for enhancing emergency services communication capabilities in Putnam County. Additionally, the legislature approved a reduction in the maximum health insurance premium contributions for new county employees from 30 percent to 17 percent. This change is expected to benefit approximately 225 employees and will increase the county's annual health insurance expenditure by an estimated $865,000, rising from $11.5 million. The adjustment aligns Putnam's employee contributions more closely with neighboring counties, reflecting revised labor agreements with various employee associations. These actions highlight ongoing efforts to improve county infrastructure and employee benefits while managing public assets and fiscal responsibilities effectively.