Warsaw Community and Economic Development Director Jeremy Skinner presents a resolution to the Warsaw Common Council on extending the economic development area for Wildman. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union.

By David Slone
Times-Union

WARSAW — Along with approving compliance forms for the continuation of four tax abatements Monday, July 15, the Warsaw Common Council also approved a resolution extending the economic revitalization area for Wildman for another 10 years.

Warsaw Community and Economic Development Director Jeremy Skinner explained, “This resolution is designating an ERA for Wildman. A couple years ago, they were granted a tax abatement. Earlier this year, you approved their CF-1 (compliance form). The original ERA on that property had a 10-year time limit, so the abatement that was approved in 2022, in order for it to reach its 10-year abatement, we have to extend the life of that ERA, and that’s what this resolution is doing – basically approving that ERA to go for the next 10 years.”

The council unanimously approved the resolution designating the ERA for Wildman.

Skinner also presented the continuation of tax abatements for Instrumental Machine & Development Inc., in its fifth year; Banner Medical Innovations Inc., in its eighth year; 2525 LP, in its first year; and Danco Medical, in its first year.

The council approved all four.

Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation CEO Peggy Friday introduced herself to the council.
She said, “Economic development improves people’s lives by creating jobs, reducing poverty and promoting education and healthcare, leading to a better life and quality for all.”

Economic development also protects the environment, promotes local trade and encourages innovation, she said, “making the world a more stable, prosperous and sustainable place.”

Friday stated she joined KEDCO with several years of experience in municipal government, federal government, chamber and economic development experience, most recently in industrial, infrastructure, workforce development and business retention.

“As I interviewed for this position, it was really the people that drove me to Kosciusko County and your unwavering faith,” she said. “As we work together to grow and strengthen Kosciusko County, I want KEDCO to be a place of respect, integrity and teamwork. I look forward to participating with mayor, the council and those of you to create opportunities and experiences for the people who live here.”

Friday’s first day at KEDCO was June 10. She told the council she had planned to retire at the end of this year after 20 years with the city of Rochelle, Ill., but “God had other ideas in mind for me.”

She said she felt like this was a place where she could make a difference in the community.
In other business, the council:

• Approved Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory Chief Joel Shilling’s request to transfer $9,118 from EMS Division Training Equipment grant to equipment fund.

The grant the fire department received was a reimbursement grant for a training mannequin. The transfer of funds is to move the money from the grant back into the equipment replacement fund from which the mannequin was initially paid out of.

• Tabled an traffic sign ordinance update due to an error found in the ordinance.

• Approved a resolution designating authorized officers to do the business for the city, as Baker Tilly advised Clerk-Treasurer Lynne Christiansen that BMO Bank requested. With the approval of the resolution, the city can award bids to BMO Bank on CDs if they have the best rate.