About Us
The Putnam Development Authority is a five member constitutional authority created by the state of Georgia. Members are appointed by the Putnam County Commissioners and serve at their pleasure for a 5 year term. You must be a citizen of the United States, at least 21 years of age, been a resident of Georgia for two years and a resident of Putnam County for at least 1 year. This is a volunteer position and no salary or benefits should be expected. Currently the Authority contracts with the Chamber of Commerce for the day to day services of their President to act as project manager. The PDA is the first tier of the economic development sales team.
The Authority falls under the states Sunshine Law and records and meeting are open to the public. At present they meet on the second Monday of the month, at the Plaza Arts Center.
The Authority holds itself and staff to a very stick code of ethics. Confidentially can sometimes be misread as being secretive, but is very important in dealing with many prospects that their privacy be respected. It can make or break a project.
Each year the authority must fill out a yearly registration form, proof of members training, and report its financial activities to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. All of this is required in order to participate in state grant monies or programs.
The Purpose
The purpose of the Authority is to develop, promote, and expand for the public good and general welfare, industry and trade within Putnam County.
Powers
The Authority's powers are spelled out within the law. It has the power to own, transfer, buy and sell properties, issue revenue bonds, and enter into intergovernmental agreements with one or more entities.
History
This Authority was created in April 1968 as a constitutional authority.