[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6545064,"mediaKeyId","5334313-6d5f3937298e55929055a4001a879332","parentId",5334313,"title","Council approves several appropriations, an appointment and hears nonprofit funding requests","audioSeconds",410,"startMs",685000,"endMs",1095000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5334313-6d5f3937298e55929055a4001a879332&start=685&end=1095","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5334313-6d5f3937298e55929055a4001a879332/thumbnail_685000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6545064/Kosciusko-County/Indiana/Council-approves-several-appropriations-an-appointment-and-hears-nonprofit-funding-requests","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545064-e324cc2443aa13dd436903c623f46cec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448687&Signature=WPlmoRMb8zeXgKy0p4aD3~i2V7XFv6ArLrw7l5bJZq80GcOXVMu-Xwcae9azHKXoP2PWNeABoeLP1TtUPH3LCmPGHtAcvLbK9LhYV9YiXnIbFwhzAeHkZUgYv3vsREG-ARARJ63fwgj85fnZEoaRb6ANNMaipYjh0LbwtC2TQ8lyiQKYNUahLAD742nWtyzTRia4Dx6WXNUjtnzZlIfL5S11~wTwV92IPKvVC7dXEOKT7kpTUzErK034MC2i3fRSJ8xjPBF3gehjnjI~l~wgKVQXQPpSBaiJ1DU8Xg7sEDn2svzRu1yBReIP6QVzwZ2rNcy0KzhH3~oUne1Rm5Xywg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kosciusko County Government","date","2025-06-13T00:00:00Z","article","The Kosciusko County Council approved several administrative appropriations and an appointment, and heard presentations from local nonprofits requesting operational funding for 2026.

Appropriations and appointments
- Bill Holder (auditor/IT representative) requested use of the county's electronic data fund to purchase a large-format printer. He asked for approximately \"$3,920.20\" from the fund; the council moved and approved the appropriation. The presenter stated the fund balance was about $31,312.49.
- The council approved a reappointment: Ben Rice was reappointed as the council’s member on the Warsaw Community Library board.
- Jack Birch, incoming chief public defender, requested additional appropriations from the Public Defender Supplemental Fund to cover office construction, computer hardware and office equipment for a new office. Birch said the requested amounts would come from the public defender supplemental fund (fees collected from indigent-defense cases rather than the general fund); the council moved and approved the appropriation.
- Bob Weaver requested two transfers and a salary-ordinance amendment to shift two public-health positions to be paid from the Health First Indiana Fund. He said the fund had a balance of roughly $91,700; the council approved the transfers and the salary‑ordinance change to set pay at a part‑time PAT‑6 range ($24.32/hour for one role). Council members confirmed funds are available in the specified restricted funds before approving these items.

Nonprofit presentations
Multiple nonprofits presented brief overviews and funding requests for 2026 operations; no formal appropriation votes on these requests were taken at the meeting. Presenters included:
- Cardinal Services (Marcia Art), requesting $111,373 to support Head Start, Healthy Families and public transportation (CAVS) services; she said 60% of Cardinal’s service recipients are in Kosciusko County and noted Head Start served 144 children this year with a wait list of 56.
- Stillwater Hospice (Leslie Friedel), which requested operational support and summarized 2024 service levels (126 county residents served, nearly 11,000 days of patient care) and new grief‑counseling services in Warsaw.
- Kosciusko County Historical Society (representative gave a $24,000 request to cover most of their annual payroll) and listed recent grant successes for preservation projects.
- The Beeman Home (April Sloan), the county’s domestic‑violence shelter, requested $40,000 for 2026 operations, citing a possible 40% federal grant cut that could reduce funding by more than $200,000 over two years; the shelter reported 3,764 shelter nights to 118 people in 2024 and said more than 75% of clients were county residents.
- Kosciusko County 4‑H (Shannon Shepherd, Hayden Lechleiner, Shana Mesmore) described roughly 630 enrolled youth and volunteer support, requesting a modest increase from the prior year to cover inflation and programming costs.

Why it matters: The appropriations use restricted or fee-supported funds rather than general‑fund dollars in several cases; nonprofit presentations outline community services that the council may consider during upcoming budget deliberations.

What’s next: Staff will record the appropriations and process the appointment; nonprofits will await the county’s 2026 budgeting process for formal funding decisions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Council Meeting 6-12-25","oneSentenceSummary","At the meeting the council approved multiple small appropriations and appointments, including an electronic data fund appropriation for a large-format printer and the reappointment of Ben Rice to the Warsaw Community Library Board; several nonprofits presented requests for 2026 operational support.","taxTitle","Kosciusko County, Indiana","taxId",51037,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545069,"Council denies probation department wage increase after financial adviser review",178,3452000,3630000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5334313-6d5f3937298e55929055a4001a879332&start=3452&end=3630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5334313-6d5f3937298e55929055a4001a879332/thumbnail_3452000.jpg","/articles/6545069/Kosciusko-County/Indiana/Council-denies-probation-department-wage-increase-after-financial-adviser-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545069-965ba9e06e29e4ff4bc05ef48887b25a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448687&Signature=FMJQTiSF3tbJ7KWR0rl~UkK5h97OkO8HX5Ra~JWomwi35HUEodA5zeNjl8Tb86TsP2RHxQK4Vlp6oRmnvWjLoUno5ctWQ3JeuirdXKPSswwtvCaTbrCgdVqgabnhPAWlsLOdtEsySkDLOXie-CWJU4q11ebFBn738tXafLk~glA1~ca-8yjGUNhql93bW6hGc-gFFEzlUdT50Zoe3AIAQXKfhtmBFP0IRYK0ELvlBHbGKFoNH9RNie8JbZ9QgYyzGSuWpMWQJk3EqrlTBR5dXP-idOGyRQdoZg-r1qQHwGz3DpmukRLB7CiDRDwLH60XvvPHkty9axUEiW9q2F5M7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kosciusko County Council voted to deny a requested additional appropriation and salary ordinance amendment for the probation department after receiving written guidance from the county's financial advisers.

Kathy read a letter from Reedy Financial Group (RFG) that reviewed the probation department’s proposal to raise probation wages by roughly 16%–22% depending on years of service. RFG recommended against the raise at this time, citing newly enacted Senate Bill 1 (signed April 15, 2025) which RFG said could reduce property-tax revenues and create longer-term fiscal uncertainty; RFG also warned that probation user fees might not sustainably support wage increases and that the county could be left funding permanent raises.

On a motion by Dylan, seconded by Joe, the council voted to deny the probation additional appropriation and the proposed salary ordinance amendment. The chair recorded one opposing vote; the motion carried. Council members asked probation to re-present the request during the 2026 budget process when more financial information is available.

Why it matters: RFG recommended a cautious, county-wide approach to wage adjustments and urged that employee raises be considered during the regular budget process to account for the potential impacts of state-level tax changes and long-term fiscal obligations.

What’s next: Probation staff were asked to include the wage request in their 2026 budget submission for reconsideration with updated financial information.","Reedy Financial Group advised the council that proposed probation wage increases (16–22%) would be fiscally imprudent given pending state changes; the council voted to deny the additional appropriation and salary ordinance amendment, asking probation to consider the request during the 2026 budget process.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545073,"Sheriff secures appropriations from DNR grant and seeks $250,000 DOJ de‑escalation grant",53,345000,398000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5334313-6d5f3937298e55929055a4001a879332&start=345&end=398","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5334313-6d5f3937298e55929055a4001a879332/thumbnail_345000.jpg","/articles/6545073/Kosciusko-County/Indiana/Sheriff-secures-appropriations-from-DNR-grant-and-seeks-250000-DOJ-deescalation-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545073-453b70ba285a278a3cd0c10415f66eb0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448687&Signature=IQd9-ILNjVKnbbNOWCGlZ9BgBBnTYajmE3R8wpBAWeQx7wIAZ5qsk5q7zyYNOo86j2QqD6-3n9Z8IboCKme69dxWiqqC4I-jghbonyBf9kDql~4oI0V45-qSM1H9Vo3RzwRCOEfqLOuqcWY33nOvcAZ9bW2p144UV1fGWwuG4tuEmPtWr81sasQbACHG4tyj23J70T1JHIbqgI-AEuN-9hzVtT-4Fbyd5zsqGnOUx1QFQVmqH0VnsQaVxnQ4OwF-myYcpZEZKc-~08B9WaOKH73rvY7rQh4NdyMmG5AeDoFRcEhHzI1xohoTzPa8ogBXOzfWaSUwDsx4Mg1DV9FVcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kosciusko County Council approved allocations to spend funds already received from a Department of Natural Resources grant and granted the sheriff permission to apply for a $250,000 federal Department of Justice (DOJ) grant to upgrade training to a virtual reality system.

Chief Deputy/representative for the Sheriff told the council the DNR grant funds — earmarked for boat-patrol miscellaneous expenses and salaries — include three line items of $2,500, $5,000 and $7,500. The council approved an additional appropriation to appropriate those funds.

The sheriff’s office also sought permission to apply for a DOJ non‑matching grant titled \"Safer Outcomes De‑escalation and Crisis Response for Law Enforcement,\" with a requested award amount of $250,000. The sheriff’s representative said the grant, if awarded, would fund purchase of a standalone virtual‑reality training unit intended for patrol, jail, reserves and boat patrol personnel and potentially for broader county use.

Questions from council members clarified that the DOJ grant appears to be reimbursement-based (the county would make purchases and then seek reimbursement if awarded) and that the unit would be a standalone purchase rather than a cloud subscription. The sheriff’s office said future software upgrades could require funding from the department’s training budget but that the initial unit would be purchased outright if the grant is awarded.

A motion to approve applying for the DOJ grant carried. The council previously approved the DNR appropriations in a separate motion.

Why it matters: The proposed VR training aims to expand scenario‑based de‑escalation and crisis‑response training beyond the traditional FATS (Firearm Training Simulator) rental model and to make a training asset available on site for multiple county law‑enforcement users.

What’s next: If the DOJ award is made, county staff will return with contract and purchase details and follow grant reimbursement procedures.","The council approved appropriations tied to a DNR grant for boat-patrol expenses and granted the sheriff permission to apply for a $250,000 DOJ Safer Outcomes de‑escalation and crisis‑response grant to purchase virtual reality training equipment.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545078,"Council expresses interest in buying 225 N. Buffalo St. to explore downtown parking options",240,85000,325000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5334313-6d5f3937298e55929055a4001a879332&start=85&end=325","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5334313-6d5f3937298e55929055a4001a879332/thumbnail_85000.jpg","/articles/6545078/Kosciusko-County/Indiana/Council-expresses-interest-in-buying-225-N-Buffalo-St-to-explore-downtown-parking-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545078-dc16f77116d198ded9ecc74ff40a326c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448687&Signature=W13-z-6~7gsnMw4eKl16NxqsyXwGKVPX4pbyYj8tc~4VD6nTy1p40HySUt-m-UkPxPkq-ysXAtK9L4Bq4FEjEx-Xsl0KwfcYEPu7OIXpw65FSqwQAIDJfQ24gDSf~e8WV3KxBGxPecmL3miTFwu~knQrx-qnpMRbsMi25sgaq~zEUKKPTmU9w-lb8KYzsGvZh4bOyRflCsjOLqwZZHxw6Ryfy6dN-netsHzFDCEUgSBCDQXakdrWIFlvFqe~tzjkozvxSU1BLbdlKEgf-BfUzHW9uF22JsoOK04HaXfpoZLaEX--cRRyYW9kCjwNh8GzqvFq2zbQURYnBPLy4MjqpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kosciusko County Council voted to express interest in acquiring the property commonly known as 225 North Buffalo Street in downtown Warsaw to explore options for additional parking.

County Attorney Ed Ormsby read the resolution, citing Indiana Code 36-1-10.5-5-1 and explaining that the statute requires the fiscal body to pass a resolution expressing interest before the county (as purchasing agent) may select two appraisers and pursue purchase. Ormsby said, if a negotiated purchase price exceeds the average of two appraisals as permitted by statute, the county would then have to consider eminent domain procedures.

Ormsby told the council, \"Once you guys approve the resolution, if you do so, we will then be able to select 2 appraisers to appraise under the statute and then move forward to see if we can come to an agreement with the seller. If we are not able to come to an agreement with the seller that is for no more than the average of those 2 appraisals, then we will have to proceed under the imminent domain statute.\" He emphasized the resolution does not itself constitute a purchase or confirm that a parking structure will be built.

Council member Dylan moved to approve the resolution; Joe seconded. The chair called for the usual sign vote; the transcript records abstentions by Kim and by another council member (name not clearly stated in the record). The motion carried.

Why it matters: Passing the resolution starts the statutory appraisal process that must precede a negotiated purchase under Indiana Code 36-1-10.5-5-1 and preserves the board of commissioners' ability to pursue acquisition for parking. Council members noted the vote is procedural and not a final commitment to buy or to construct a parking garage.

What’s next: If the county proceeds, staff will select two appraisers as required by statute and report back with appraisal results and recommended next steps.","Kosciusko County Council approved a resolution expressing interest in purchasing 225 North Buffalo Street in Warsaw so the county can pursue appraisals and potential acquisition under Indiana Code 36-1-10.5-5-1; council members noted the step does not commit the county to purchase or to building a parking structure.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545083,"Council approves 10-year tax abatement for Slate Auto at former Donnelly site",873,1121000,1994000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5334313-6d5f3937298e55929055a4001a879332&start=1121&end=1994","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5334313-6d5f3937298e55929055a4001a879332/thumbnail_1121000.jpg","/articles/6545083/Kosciusko-County/Indiana/Council-approves-10-year-tax-abatement-for-Slate-Auto-at-former-Donnelly-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545083-913ad14f6c6be27a9f272f74859351e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448687&Signature=WupbjtJJJ-~ILoGr01ebaLOYJaW6Id8YnY~q0z01UYsp93CHNtVOAbOMDClOm6HWgtcVdZgIdBRDMaN~Ix6upKPYj5gdAm73r7Qhwrg55A3H2fTFv0-giy2z~g-cLGGRisvkkrHfnhPOobCU~Z8C96-ewY6IeMoAwj0XYv9hxG9LvW31EJSPghDp10tgExS9gKIua-5M~kBHRLtzT6RPrAPI0lBQXmHH5Pa5TWN9pK-fe8JfZ7l9gYAp-W9KExFsAquZim2cPLDhhTDYWB~iMEg3bVTtYjJ2rayx4hOX-Mwl3T5LoMsD1HG5GE5iHgXkZ5nne~iv2IZk~Keg5x-g8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kosciusko County Council voted to adopt a confirmatory resolution and approve a 10-year tax abatement for Slate Auto and Phoenix Warsaw Investments for the redevelopment of the former Donnelly property in Warsaw.

The abatement package, presented by Steve Snyder on behalf of Slate Auto and Phoenix Warsaw Investments, asked the council to approve abatements for both real estate and personal property spanning 10 years under an SB1-style schedule. Snyder said the project envisions roughly $362 million in combined real and personal property improvements and approximately 1,700–1,800 new jobs, including an additional 120 jobs if the company brings seat manufacturing in-house.

The council opened a public hearing; no members of the public took the microphone. Snyder noted the abatement committee negotiated a schedule aligned with Department of Local Government and Finance recommendations and that the company accepted the committee’s counteroffer. The council then entertained a motion to approve the confirmatory resolution and the SB1 personal-property and real-estate abatements.

Council member Dave (surname not specified) voiced reservations about the assumptions behind the firm's projections, citing the uncertain market for new electric vehicle manufacturers, the potential for bankruptcies in the sector, and lack of clarity about the full state incentives package. \"I would love to see an abatement type that would reward them if they're still in business in 5 years,\" he said, and concluded he would vote no.

The motion to approve the confirmatory resolution and the 10-year abatements carried. The council did not read a roll-call vote in the meeting transcript; the chair announced that the motion carried and congratulated Slate on the project.

Why it matters: If the project proceeds as presented, county officials were told the additions could raise personal property tax revenue from roughly $117,968 today to an estimated $1,047,082 (figures quoted by the presenter) at the end of the abatement. Snyder and county staff emphasized these projections depend on several assumptions about assessed values, tax rates and long-term operations.

What’s next: The approved confirmatory resolution declares the area an economic revitalization area and authorizes the abatement as negotiated. The developer and property owner will proceed under the terms described; future CF-1 compliance reviews and annual reporting to the abatement committee will determine continued eligibility.

","Kosciusko County Council on Monday approved a confirmatory resolution and a 10-year tax abatement for Slate Auto/Phoenix Warsaw Investments for the former Donnelly property after a public hearing and committee negotiations; council discussion included concerns about assumptions in the applicant's projections.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves several appropriations, an appointment and hears nonprofit funding requests

Council denies probation department wage increase after financial adviser review

Sheriff secures appropriations from DNR grant and seeks $250,000 DOJ de‑escalation grant

Council expresses interest in buying 225 N. Buffalo St. to explore downtown parking options

Council approves 10-year tax abatement for Slate Auto at former Donnelly site