CARMEL- Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne’s plan to create a new department in the county that will eliminate the need for three separate existing departments has passed legislative committee. The committee’s approval to create a Department of General Services (DGS) brings Byrne’s plan for consolidated county operations one step closer to reality.
“The creation of the Department of General Services aligns with our commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient government,” said Byrne. “By consolidating these departments, we can streamline processes, improve coordination, and enhance service delivery to the residents of Putnam County.”
Following moves to consolidate budget lines in last year’s budget negotiations, Byrne announced plans to merge the county’s purchasing, central services, and IT departments into a single department.
“we’ve already saved over $126,000 since consolidating budget lines for fuel, utilities, printers, and vehicles, to name a few,” said Byrne at his 2024 State of the County address earlier this year. “In order to most effectively realize the influence that Purchasing, Central Services, and IT have on county operations, I believe that we should unite these departments into one Department of General Services.”
Byrne said that he planed to appoint John Tully, the current Director of Purchasing to the position of Commissioner of DGS.
Several surrounding counties have similar models in place. The full legislature is expected to have the opportunity to review and vote on the measure in the coming weeks.
