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Kosciusko County Commissioners announced at their meeting today that they will host a “State of the County” meeting.
It’s scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Lincoln Elementary School and the public is invited.
Commissioner Bob Conley said, “We, as county commissioners, have, for quite a while, taken a look at everything we’ve done and done things diligently and in a manner that we feel is appropriate for taking care of the affairs of the community.”
He said in the last several years, the commissioners feel a need to inform the community as to what they’re doing.
“Often times, there’s questions about why we do things, what we do, why we do it and how we do it,” he said, noting the meeting location, time and date. It will provide “residents an opportunity to hear directly from the county leadership, asks questions, engage in conversations about the county’s future. There’s all kinds of topics that may be brought up.”
Commissioner Cary Groninger announced a press release would be coming out today, and that was sent out shortly before 10 a.m.
Conley said all the different department heads will be at the Oct. 20 meeting.
Groninger stated now on the county website, at www.kosciusko.in.gov, there’s a button where people can submit questions.
“We’ll go through those questions and see which one of those we have information on to address that evening,” he said.
According to the news release, “The event is designed to provide an open and transparent update on county initiatives, accomplishments, challenges and priorities while encouraging meaningful dialogue between local government and the community it serves.
“Unlike a traditional presentation, the State of the County meeting will feature a conversational format. County leaders and officials will participate in a moderated discussion centered around questions submitted by residents prior to the event, followed by opportunities for attendees to connect directly with county departments and community partners through interactive engagement tables,” it states.
"This meeting is about opening the doors to conversation," Groninger is quoted as saying in the news release. "We want residents to have the opportunity to hear what is happening across the county, and learn how county departments and community organizations are working to serve them."
While not every question may be addressed during the moderated discussion, attendees will have opportunities to continue the conversation, according to the release.
Following the forum, county departments and community partners will host engagement tables focused on key areas of county work, including small communities and the land bank, housing and economic development, transportation, quality of life, and county services. At each table, representatives will share information about current projects and priorities, while discussing ways residents can stay informed and involved.
The State of the County Community Meeting reflects the county's commitment to accountability, accessibility and collaboration while providing a platform for productive conversations around accomplishments, opportunities and challenges facing the community, the release states.
For additional event details and to submit your question, go to https://www.kosciusko.in.gov/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item&id=4218.
