Putnam County splits on opposing Harmony Road tax break; agrees to meet with Putnam Development Authority

The Putnam County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 5 considered two contested items tied to local development and the Putnam Development Authority (PDA).

On a motion by Commissioner Steve Hersey, seconded by Commissioner Richard Garrett, the board considered a resolution authorizing the chairman to sign a document opposing a tax exemption for Harmony Road GA, LLC. After public comment urging the board to oppose residential tax exemptions, the motion failed: Commissioners Garrett and Hersey voted yea; Chairman Bill Sharp and Commissioner Tom McElhenney voted nay. No resolution was adopted opposing the tax exemption.

Separately, members of the public urged dissolution or reform of the PDA and requested conflict-of-interest rules and a forensic audit. Erin Olson submitted a handout and asked for a forensic audit; she also stated she would run for District Three Commissioner if Commissioner Hersey runs for chairman. Commissioner Hersey moved to authorize the chairman to sign a resolution requesting state or local action to repeal the constitutional amendment that created the PDA; the motion failed (Yea: Hersey; Nay: McElhenney, Garrett).

Following that failed motion, Commissioner Richard Garrett moved — and Commissioner Tom McElhenney seconded — for the Board of Commissioners to seek a meeting with the PDA in January 2026 to work through outstanding issues. That motion passed with support from Commissioners McElhenney, Garrett and Chairman Sharp; Commissioner Hersey recorded a nay.

Public commenters also questioned why the City of Eatonton was not included in a memorandum of understanding concerning the Harmony Road proposal and urged accountability for promised project deliverables. No audit or dissolution action was taken at the meeting; the board instead authorized outreach to the PDA to pursue discussion and possible next steps.