Attorney Chad Miner and County Auditor Michelle Puckett review paperwork at the July 25 commissioners meeting.

WARSAW — At the Kosciusko County commissioners meeting held Tuesday, July 25, the commissioners discussed the budget presentations made last month by nonprofit organizations.

At the June 13 commissioners meeting, representatives from each nonprofit organization that is funded, or partially funded, by the county gave a presentation as to why their organization needs a budget increase.

Commissioner Ron Truex suggested giving those nonprofit organizations the same increase that county employees receive, which will be decided during the upcoming budget meetings, with the exception of the St. Joe River Basin Commission. Truex said that, due to the presentation he read and the amount of work they do, he would like to increase the amount given to them. Truex pointed out that the amount given to the St. Joe River Basin Commission had been cut several years ago and he feels the amount should be increased at this time.

Board members agreed with Truex’s recommendation, approving a motion with the notation that this does not include those nonprofit organizations that are mandated to receive a specific amount.

Matt Boren from KABS was in attendance to request a signature on an order for a low floor vehicle to be used to transport individuals on Medicaid runs. Boren explained that last year KABS was awarded an MV1 for this purpose, and an order was originally placed for the MV1. However, the company that designs and manufacturers the MV1 discontinued that line. Boren informed commissioners that the State of Indiana has been working with KABS for an alternative solution, and an agreement has been created for KABS to receive a Dodge Entervan.

“We already have the award and the money for this,” Boren explained, “Not a lot changed other than the type of vehicle.”

Boren informed commissioners that he is acting as interim general manager at KABS until a new GM is hired. According to Boren, they have several promising applicants. Boren told commissioners he hopes to have a new GM to introduce at one of the September commissioners meetings.

The commissioners approved Boren’s request.

Dan Richard, Area Planning Board Director, presented a vacation request to the commissioners. The petitioner, Deborah Ballinger, was represented by Attorney Steve Snyder. Richard said the APC unanimously recommended approval for vacation of a portion of road right of way near Otter Trail off the northeast side of Beaver Dam Lake in the Benzarts subdivision.

Board members asked for further clarification regarding plat dimensions, highway access, neighbors and frontage. The owner of lot 112 attended the meeting and said his only concern had been in ensuring he would have access to his shed. He stated that he is satisfied with the pending arrangement.

Kosciusko County Highway Superintendent Scott Tilden requested that the commissioners set a bid opening date for two resurfacing projects through the Community Crossings Grant. Tilden suggested 9:15 a.m. on Sept. 5. The commissioners approved this.

Other news:

• The next regular meeting will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8.
• Attorney Chad Miner informed commissioners that the lease with Creative Benefit Solutions has expired. Miner suggested setting up another lease for one year in the same amount. This was approved.
• Matt Sandy, assistant planning director for the county, requested a signature from Kosciusko Commissioner President Brad Jackson for flood insurance recertification. This was approved.

Attorney Chad Miner was in attendance at the Kosciusko County commissioners meeting Tuesday, July 25.