Putnam County approves $17,950 for veterans' honor-flag program; officials plan changes to program logistics

Putnam County legislators approved a $17,950 transfer on Aug. 25, 2025, to buy higher-quality flags and poles for the county's role-of-honor program. What officials described: Carl Rodian of the Veterans Service Agency described the program and said the county will move to better-quality, longer-lasting flags and fewer total positions. "We're gonna limit the flags...to 500 flags," Rodian said, and described plans to rotate displays twice a year rather than leaving flags up continuously to reduce wear. Program history and changes: The veterans' program began roughly 12 years ago and previously included community-paid dedications for flags; county staff said some legacy dedications and recordkeeping issues created duplication. Officials said they plan a renewal cycle (about every three years) so families who sponsor flags will be informed of renewal timing and costs; the agency intends to recover costs on the back end when appropriate. Why the transfer was requested: DPW and the veterans' office reported repeated flag damage from weather and mower operations; the new poles and flags are intended to reduce maintenance and the number of retirements. Committee members and public speakers stressed respectful handling and proper retirement ceremonies for flags. Outcome: Committee approved the transfer and requested that the veterans' office continue to consult on policy details and communication with families about renewals and dedications. Taper: Officials said the program will continue as a visible county commemoration of veterans while administrators refine records, pricing and display schedules to reduce ongoing maintenance costs.