Kosciusko County Auditor Michelle Puckett, far left, swears in Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission members from left: Dan Thystrup, Doug Hanes, Jan Orban, Joni Truex and Jeremy Mullins. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission is considering hiring its own attorney.

That topic came up at its first meeting of 2022, on Monday, Jan. 3.

Commission member Joni Truex made the suggestion partially based on Michelle Puckett finishing her last year as county auditor. Truex said the commission relied on her expertise related to more complex issues like tax increment financing (TIF) districts.

“I think it might be good for the redevelopment commission to consider retaining an attorney for the purpose of redevelopment commission questions,” said Truex. “We have Baker Tilly as a fantastic resource, but I believe that there are local attorneys who are versed in TIF districts, versed in the lines of who is supposed to be approached for what that could help steer us and keep us in our lane.”

When asked, Truex said she did have a specific attorney that she would suggest for the position. He’s one that has experience related to the redevelopment commission, she said.

Other commission members agreed to have Truex approach the attorney to see if he would take on the role.

In other business, the commission reorganized for 2022. Truex will serve as president, Jan Orban will be vice president and Doug Hanes will serve as secretary.

The commission’s next meeting is 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10, in the Kosciusko County Courthouse’s Old Courtroom.