Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Dwarfed by bundles of plastic bags stacked to the meeting room's ceiling, the solid waste management district board slashed their budget Monday to comply with state mandates.
The board cut $50,400 in various accounts, bringing the budget back to 2002 levels.
"According to Senate Bill 1 and what was passed by the state Legislature in the spring, budgets have to be reduced to 2002 levels if you were not against the maximum tax levy in 2002," said the district's controller and county auditor Sue Ann Mitchell. "We're collecting less money than in the prior year and every taxing entity is affected."
Last year the district went to every town for a favorable resolution to increase its levy, which was approved by the county council. The plan was to raise an additional $80,000 in tax dollars.
In addition to fund cuts, hours for the Depot to be open to the public are also reduced to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Educator Bendy Mann recently resigned and the position will not be filled. Instead, director Sue Studebaker will be available for educational programs Wednesdays and Fridays.
Members head the host agreement with Allied Waste has been verbally approved, but the retooled contract has not been received. The new agreement raises tipping fees.
The board also heard Eagle Advertising will provide bill boards promoting the cell phone recycling program.
Board members are county commissioners Brad Jackson, Avis Gunter and Ron Truex; county councilman John Kinsey; Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins and city councilman George Clemens; and Winona Lake town councilman David Delp. Delp was absent.
