Kosciusko County Council kicked off its official work on the 2017 county budget Monday night by reviewing more than a dozen departmental budgets. The preliminary work was highlighted by council’s decision to set a 2 percent raise for county employees. The across-the-board salary hike for employees came as a result of a recommendation from the wage committee, which consisted of three council members and one county commissioner. The increase applies to full-time workers, part-time workers as well as all board members on all county panels. Council also chose to provide a 2 percent hike in funding for eight not-for-profit groups whose requests are part of the commissioners’ budgets. Here’s what that 2 percent hike means: Kosciusko County Fair Board received $40,180 in 2016. The group requested an additional $803 and will receive a $803 boost. Cardinal Center received $92,340 in 2016. The group requested an additional $4,617 but will receive a $1,846 boost. Home Health Care received $42,297 in 2016. The group requested an additional $2,103 but will receive a $845 boost. Kosciusko County Historical Society received $19,647 in 2016. The group requested an additional $1,353 but will receive a $393 boost. Beaman Home received $28,270 in 2016. The group requested an additional $10,980 but will receive a $565 boost. Kosciusko County Council on Aging received $28,270 in 2016. The group requested an additional $11,730 but will receive a $565 boost. St. Joseph River Basin received $445 in 2016. The group requested an additional $55 but will receive a $9 boost. Animal Welfare League received $62,194 in 2016. The group requested an additional $18,720 but will receive a $1,243 boost. Council members did not discuss individual requests among the not-for-profit groups and the 2 percent hike was approved unanimously. Council gave tentative approval to a range of budgets, including the sheriff, health, several courts, the prosecutor, assessor, recorder and auditor. Council continues its budget review at 6 p.m. Thursday in the old courtroom of the courthouse in Warsaw.
