Kosciusko county commissioners Brad Jackson and Ron Truex met Tuesday to discuss rezoning and vacation issues involving two separate properties under their jurisdiction.

A request from Stanley Custer to rezone property from agricultural to residential in Washington Township was denied after Truex reported talking to surrounding neighbors of the property and concluding rezoning was not appropriate. Prior to the commissioners' vote, Matt Sandy, assistant planner of the area plan commission, recommended the commissioners deny the request.

A vacation request was approved for Brian Smith, who owns property in Plain Township. Discussion arose as to why Smith would file for an additional vacation request after being granted a previous and similar vacation in May.

Attorney Steve Snyder explained Smith's request was refiled for proper legal description of title management. Recommendations that accompanied the May approval prevented Smith from being granted definite title of the vacated areas.

Truex said Tuesday's approval merely "defined previous decisions" made during Smith's first vacation.

In other matters, Rita Baker, of Kosciusko Area Bus Service, reported receiving a grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation totaling $353,359. The grant will help fund the organization's operations through 2006.

The commissioners motioned for Avis Gunter, who was absent for the meeting, to sign the grant forms at her earliest convenience.

Commissioners also reviewed bids for county highway supplies as well as bids for reconstruction of a bridge near North Webster. [[In-content Ad]]