Sheriff Rocky Goshert, left, stands before the council during last night’s meeting.

KOSCIUSKO — Kosciusko Community Corrections will be able to expand after the Kosciusko County Council approved adding a new employee during last night’s meeting.

Anna Bailey, director of community corrections, was present at the meeting. She explained that the program currently has 60 active felons, one active juvenile and many pending applications.

“We are one of the fastest growing community corrections in the state,” commented Bailey. “We thought we were going to grow slower, but we are actually doubling and tripling our users.”

She requested amending how the department is spending a grant and user fees in order to hire a new home detention officer to help with the growth. The department has enough funds to cover the cost, the funds just need to be approved for use.

Board member Sue Ann Mitchell commented that the wage committee met and approved the staffing addition. The county council voted and also approved all amendments associated with the change.

Many local non-profit representatives were present at the meeting to speak about their budget requests. These organizations included the Historical Society, 4-H Council, Cardinal Services, Home Care & Hospice, Beaman Home, Kosciusko Community Senior Services, Animal Welfare League, Bowen Center and St. Joe River Basin. Each representative was given five minutes to talk about why they believe their organization should receive the requested funding.

The council took the presentations under advisement. Recommendations will be made during the upcoming budget sessions.

In other news:

• Sheriff Rocky Goshert requested a transfer of $3,000 within the budget, a salary ordinance for an employee reaching 10 years of service and two repairs due to accidents. All matters were approved by the council.
• Permission was granted to Bob Weaver to apply for a bioterrorism preparedness grant.
• Scott Tilden of the highway department announced that the county would be applying for two road projects with the Community Crossings Grant. The projects included sections of CR 900 N and CR 1000W.
• Clay Brooks was approved for his second term on the Milford Library Board.
• A representative from Louis Dreyfus was present to request request a new 10-year abatement. The abatement was approved, but a public hearing will be held on Aug. 10 due to a late filing.
• NG Instruments was approved to continue their tax abatement. This is the last year of the abatement.
• The board reviewed the Wheel Tax and voted make no amendments. The board decided the will begin to look at the ordinance in the spring of next year, giving them more time to make any changes.