Puckett Thanks Commissioners
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — Michelle Puckett has participated in her last Kosciusko County Commissioners’ meeting as Kosciusko County auditor.
During her normal turn to bring business before the commissioners at their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 20, Puckett thanked them.
“A hundred and ninety-two, that’s how many meetings that we’ve had that I’ve served as your county auditor. Once we add in a few special meetings and executive sessions, it’s a little over 200,” she said. “I really just want to thank you for your confidence in me, for trusting me and for pushing me and challenging me to be a very strong positive leader, so I can serve you.”
“I’ve been able to serve my council, my commissioners and quite frankly everybody in this room in some capacity,” she continued. “It’s with a very heavy heart that I have to say goodbye as this is my last meeting, but I just want to thank you … You guys have just really pushed me and challenged me to know and to grow.”
She also thanked Kosciusko County Administrator Marsha McSherry.
“This lady has helped me tremendously know what I know, be who I am and has showed me firsthand how to serve you,” she said. “I knew what the expectations were when I walked in the door because she taught me that. … I know more today. I am better today. I’m going to be better going forward because of everyone of you sitting at the table and I just want to say, ‘Thank you,’ and I appreciate it very much.”
Puckett noted she would be just moving to an office down the hall. She was caucused in as Kosciusko County treasurer earlier this month.
“Just know that this has been the most rewarding thing that I could have ever dreamed of doing professionally in my life is serving as your county auditor, so I want to thank you very much,” she said.
Kosciusko County Commissioner Bob Conley noted Puckett had produced error-free reports for commissioners.
“Thank you very much. We appreciate it,” he said.
Kosciusko County Commissioners’ Vice President Brad Jackson concurred, mentioning an audit that was done recently.
“I wasn’t worried at all because I knew everything was in order,” he said, referring to Puckett’s work. “That’s a good feeling. That’s the way it’s always been,” he added, complimenting her also on her integrity.
“It’s been a real joy to serve alongside you and just see the passion that you have for your job and always wanting to go to the next level and to continue to have our county be a leader in so many ways, so I just appreciate your efforts and your work through the almost six years that I’ve been able to serve with you,” said Kosciusko County Commissioners’ President Cary Groninger.
PACT Act
Commissioners were originally to hear a presentation regarding the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, but the individual set to talk about it was unable to make it.
Kosciusko County Veteran Service Officer Darryl McDowell did provide media members with a fact sheet on the act, which was signed into law in August.
“It expands (Veterans Affairs) health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances,” the sheet noted.
McDowell also commented on it.
“The biggest thing of the PACT Act is getting it to the lowest level, getting the veterans to understand that there are changes (regarding the expansion of those eligible to file claims),” he said. “Even if they did apply before and were denied, they need to come back in and file another claim.”
McDowell noted veterans shouldn’t “assume” the VA will contact them about their eligibility. They should reach to the VA or McDowell, with the latter able to be reached by calling (574) 372-2436.
More information on the PACT Act may be found by clicking here.
In other business, commissioners:
- Approved a rezoning request previously approved by the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission at its meeting on Dec. 7. It was from Ransbottom Family Farms to rezone a little more than 10 acres near Lake Tippecanoe on Stanton Lake Road in Plain and Tippecanoe townships from agricultural to residential.
- Approved a contract renewal with James Emans for county engineering work.
- Approved the annual agreement with the Kosciusko Economic Development Corp.
- Agreed to give their support to help Grace Village Retirement Community obtain a grant for a community facility project.
- Approved allowing employees to participate in cybersecurity training and testing paid for by the state and for Purdue University to do a free cybersecurity assessment for the county.
Commissioners’ next meeting is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at the Kosciusko County Courthouse’s Old Courtroom.