Redevelopment Commission Approves Co-Op TIF District
The Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission approved the formation of a TIF District in the Mentone/Burket area of Kosciusko County after a public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 8.
The new TIF District was brought before the commission at its November meeting as part of the North Central Co-Op’s plan to establish a crop service center in Mentone. (see related)
“We appreciated the opportunity to talk with you in November. We’re in favor of the district being established,” stated Rob Young of The Hagerman Group, representing North Central Co-Op. “I’m happy to report that the dry fertilizer equipment is in its test phase at this point. This has been described as a win-win situation.”
County Attorney Chad Miner stated the commission’s approval was the second to last step in establishing the TIF District. It will go before the Kosciusko County Council soon for final approval. The district will span east to west from CR 1000W to CR 700W and from north to south from SR 25 to CR 600S.
“I think its going to be a great benefit for that area of the county,” said Commissioner Max Courtney.
Also at the meeting, the commissioners appointed officers for 2015. Max Courtney was named President, Henry DeJulia was appointed vice president, Bill Warren was appointed secretary and Bruce Woodward to treasurer. The commissioners also took their oaths of office at the meeting.
Additionally, Kosciusko County Economic Development Corporation President George Robertson gave the commissioners a local economic update.
“We had a very good year last year in the county in terms of economic development,” said Robertson. “We announced almost 600 new manufacturing jobs. Employment is up still. That makes our number one priority at KEDCo workforce development and workforce recruitment.
“We hope to kick off Comeback Kosciusko this year. We are also addressing another workforce shortage area, which is healthcare technicians,” Robertson continued. “We’ll be having several meetings over the next couple of months. With Parkview opening in a year, adding 100 jobs, we have to make sure we have adequate healthcare technicians in the county. We’re working with Ivy Tech on the healthcare community. It gives young people another career path. We’re also working with our building trades. All of them are experiencing shortages.”
“I think Indiana will have another very good year. The state of Indiana broke every record in the book,” Robertson went on. “Northern Indiana is very strong, and Indiana is very strong. We’re one of the top states for Japanese companies. I think we’ll have a good year in Indiana just from reverse direct investment.”