Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw city council continued to hear proposals Wednesday night during the city's second budget meeting this week.
Warsaw Fire Chief Matt Warren reported a budget request of $2,510,094 from the 2006 general fund. Compared to last year, the amount increased $118,420, mainly due to increased salaries and employee benefits as well as updates to the department's breathing apparatuses.
Mayor Ernie Wiggins encouraged members to meet individually with Warren to better understand the fire department's policy on hourly and overtime pay.
The Kosciusko Area Bus Service requested a continuation of their contract with the city for $24,114. This total includes the yearly $18,500 the city has paid over the past five years and also includes a one-time capital expense of $5,614. The funds requested in the additional expense would be used to repaint the KABS building, 1804 E. Winona Ave.
Randy Hall, representing the Cardinal Center and Sus Amigos, requested $8,000 from the council, the same amount the city allowed to Sus Amigos last year.
Hall said due to expected decreases in funding for next year, the amount requested from the city might increase in upcoming years.
"I greatly appreciate what Sus Amigos does for the Hispanic community in the county," councilman Charlie Smith said. "With the number of Hispanics working outside the city limits, I would expect the county to fund more than what they currently do."
Joy McCarthy-Sessing, of Kosciusko Development Inc., reported the organization's desire to continue a contract with the city for the amount of $25,000, a $2 contribution per resident, towards KDI's effort for economic development.
Councilman Joe Thallemer asked McCarthy-Sessing if KDI planned to relocate or broaden its current locations, and wondered if Warsaw's downtown would be considered if a move took place.
"We're looking to make our downtown a residential, commercial, entertainment and cultural center. It would only make sense to have a development center as well," Thallemer said. "I hope you consider us if the possibility arises."
Andrew Grossnickle, of the Animal Welfare League, requested an increase from last year's contract for a total of $13,650. The 5 percent increase would help solve heating problems the organization currently faces during its winter months, Grossnickle said.
Carmen Lock, of the Warsaw Community Development Committee, presented to the board a request of $12,600 from next year's budget, an increase of $600 from this year.
Locke said the money would be used for part-time help at WCDC.
Members from the CCAC requested the city provide $34,000 in funding for the 2006 year.
Representatives hoped the funding would provide a means for the organization's plans to construct an indoor facility sometime in the near future.
Present councilmen were Wiggins, Thallemer, Smith, Jerry Patterson, George Clemens, Bob Morrison, Jeff Grose and Bill Rhoades.
