Commissioners Hear KDI Pitch

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Daniel [email protected]

Kosciusko County Commissioners unanimously decided this morning to recommend a new development plan and budget for Kosciusko Development Inc. to the county council.

That recommendation will go before the county council at its April 8 meeting.

The proposed budget for 2010 is $228,500 but will be pro-rated pending council approval.[[In-content Ad]]The budget would call for a full-time executive director and either another full-time position or two part-time positions.

Max Courtney, chairman of the board of directors, addressed the commissioners this morning.

"This is an effort to work more closely with the county and (Warsaw)," said Courtney.

Commissioner Brad Jackson said he would like to see good dialogue between KDI and the commissioners.

Commissioner Ron Truex said that the budget would not be all new money since the 2010 county budget already factored in money going to KDI.

KDI is funded through the county and Warsaw's economic development income tax, the town of Syracuse and more than 25 businesses.

KDI board members developed a "four-pronged strategic plan" involving retention, expansion, attraction and innovation.

Courtney said KDI will work with every town in Kosciusko County to put that plan in action.

Courtney said he was hoping for a three-year commitment.

Jackson said he understood it would take time to develop KDI's plan.

"I think your methodology is sound," said commissioner Bob Conley. "The plan I think is sound."

Conley also lauded the talent involved with KDI.

Along with funding, KDI also will ask for office space somewhere in a county building.

Courtney said the search for the executive director and another full-time position wouldn't begin until the council also approved the plan and budget.

Kosciusko Area Bus Service Director Matt Boren told the commissioners that February was the first month operating countywide bus services, which registered the biggest numbers the service has had in years.

"And we're hoping to see those numbers continue to grow," said Boren.

Boren also said a new bus is in service.

County Administrator Ron Robinson said a county employee breakfast is set for April 30.

The board also signed a letter to be sent to the Indiana Department of Transportation for a partial mortgage release form.

The commissioners also approved spending $10,000 to improve cell phone service in the basement of the justice building.

The commissioners also renewed a lease with B & L Duck Farms. The 10-year lease is to store stone in the northwest corner of the county.

Conley also reminded residents to fill out the census forms that are being sent out.

"Do your part," said Conley. "If you want to be counted in the census, step up."

Truex said the commissioner can take a vote at their next meeting concerning a countywide sewer district.

The commissioners also approved a rezoning request from agricultural to residential in Seward Township. The request was for William Kelly.

The commissioners next meeting is March 30 at 9 a.m.

Kosciusko County Commissioners unanimously decided this morning to recommend a new development plan and budget for Kosciusko Development Inc. to the county council.

That recommendation will go before the county council at its April 8 meeting.

The proposed budget for 2010 is $228,500 but will be pro-rated pending council approval.[[In-content Ad]]The budget would call for a full-time executive director and either another full-time position or two part-time positions.

Max Courtney, chairman of the board of directors, addressed the commissioners this morning.

"This is an effort to work more closely with the county and (Warsaw)," said Courtney.

Commissioner Brad Jackson said he would like to see good dialogue between KDI and the commissioners.

Commissioner Ron Truex said that the budget would not be all new money since the 2010 county budget already factored in money going to KDI.

KDI is funded through the county and Warsaw's economic development income tax, the town of Syracuse and more than 25 businesses.

KDI board members developed a "four-pronged strategic plan" involving retention, expansion, attraction and innovation.

Courtney said KDI will work with every town in Kosciusko County to put that plan in action.

Courtney said he was hoping for a three-year commitment.

Jackson said he understood it would take time to develop KDI's plan.

"I think your methodology is sound," said commissioner Bob Conley. "The plan I think is sound."

Conley also lauded the talent involved with KDI.

Along with funding, KDI also will ask for office space somewhere in a county building.

Courtney said the search for the executive director and another full-time position wouldn't begin until the council also approved the plan and budget.

Kosciusko Area Bus Service Director Matt Boren told the commissioners that February was the first month operating countywide bus services, which registered the biggest numbers the service has had in years.

"And we're hoping to see those numbers continue to grow," said Boren.

Boren also said a new bus is in service.

County Administrator Ron Robinson said a county employee breakfast is set for April 30.

The board also signed a letter to be sent to the Indiana Department of Transportation for a partial mortgage release form.

The commissioners also approved spending $10,000 to improve cell phone service in the basement of the justice building.

The commissioners also renewed a lease with B & L Duck Farms. The 10-year lease is to store stone in the northwest corner of the county.

Conley also reminded residents to fill out the census forms that are being sent out.

"Do your part," said Conley. "If you want to be counted in the census, step up."

Truex said the commissioner can take a vote at their next meeting concerning a countywide sewer district.

The commissioners also approved a rezoning request from agricultural to residential in Seward Township. The request was for William Kelly.

The commissioners next meeting is March 30 at 9 a.m.
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