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Dialogue between the Kosciusko County Council and Kosciusko Development Inc. about the county's economic development began Thursday.
KDI is seeking $100,000 per year for the next four years, an increase of approximately $65,000 that the county currently provides.
Joy McCarthy-Sessing, KDI president and Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce executive director, said KDI was formed in 1984 to promote economic development in Kosciusko County.
KDI has realized, said Max Courtney, KDI board of directors chairman, that they have been lobbying at the state and national level, while ignoring the local political leaders. They want to change that.
With Warsaw's recently completed sewage plant, the city now has more sewage capacity - something KDI can use to woo more businesses to the area. However, the county is seeing more competition for businesses and Courtney said KDI feels they have limited dollars to "play with the big boys."
The county needs to be out pursuing businesses to come here. While the county has a diverse economy, the pursuit of businesses shouldn't stop.
Roger Moynahan told the council, "Investment in economic development is an investment in this county."
While KDI appreciates the money the county has given them so far, KDI has the smallest budget in this part of the state. They are making do with very little personnel.
"To promote our activities, we need more people out there and we need more money to do it," Moynahan said.
In the past, the money the county gave KDI came in the form of matching dollars. "It's a pretty small amount." He said if county government wants to invest in the county, they need to provide more money.
In 2003, Kosciusko County had a population of approximately 74,000, but its economic development budget was $68,000. Meanwhile, Huntington County had a population of 38,000 and spent $138,000 on economic development; Fulton County, 20,000 persons, but a budget of $150,000; Grant County, 74,000 persons with a budget of $183,000; and Wayne County, 71,000 people but a budget of $700,000.
Per resident, Kosciusko County spent $0.92 in 2003; Elkhart County, $1.50; Grant County, $2.47; Whitley County, $7.13; Fulton County, $7.50; Wayne County, $9.86; and Wabash County, $11.43.
"Our activities are county-wide. They're not just Warsaw, they're county-wide. We are supported by many municipalities," he said.
Courtney said if the county will put up $100,000, KDI also will solicit more funds from other municipalities and private businesses and organizations in the county. "We think we will have a budget of $150,000 to $175,000 total," he said.
Kosciusko County needs to create a climate that's pro-growth and draws people in. And they don't want just any "willy-nilly" company to come in.
Asked where the workers will come from, Courtney said nice but affordable housing developments are going in that will be suitable to attract workers.
"I think we're in an exciting time in Kosciusko County," said Courtney.
Competition for employees is good for employers, said Moynahan, as it makes employers provide higher base wages. Workers will move to the county or drive to work in the county. Either way, it's good.
Larry Teghtmeyer, county councilman, said he thought the dialogue about economic development is excellent. He said it's important they do some planning and that he will do what he can to participate in that dialogue.
If Warsaw and Syracuse are committed to KDI, councilman Brad Tandy said he will be more interested.
In other business, the council:
• Approved the establishment of a part-time county position for the soil and water district. The position mostly is funded by grant money from the USDA with the remaining costs paid for by the district with tree sale money. The position will exist for only two years.
• Approved a $5,000 additional appropriation for the county prosecutor's office from infraction deferral to the county sheriff's department for drug buy money.
• Heard from county auditor Sue Ann Mitchell the county has not yet received the 1782 notice for the 2005 tax rates, but they are required by law to be to the county by Tuesday. The notice says what each individual tax rate will be and the county will have to act on them within 10 days. When she receives them, Mitchell said, she will review them and contact the council.
• Reappointed Mary Jo Plew to the Pierceton Library board and appointed Dana Krull to the North Webster Library board for three years.
Members of the county council are president Harold Jones, vice president Tom Anglin, John Kinsey, Charlene Knispel, Bob Sanders, Brad Tandy and Larry Teghtmeyer. Their regular meetings are on the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the county courthouse, Warsaw.
