WARSAW — Money was the primary subject of the Kosciusko County Council meeting last night, Thursday, Oct. 9. Money was transferred, appropriations were added and budgets were approved in the hour-long meeting.

Randy Morgan was there to speak for Torrent Engineering and Equipment, a business based in Milford. Torrent Engineering and Equipment has become, in the words of Morgan, “a major player in the global market,” when it comes to making snow.

The business has become so large that the owners have decided they need to relocate and expand. Last night’s meeting was preliminary to next month’s meeting, where two abatements will be voted on by the council. The first abatement they are looking to receive is a 10-year abatement for real estate for $565,000. The second abatement they will be looking to receive is a 10-year abatement for personal property for $100,000.

These abatements would account for an expansion and necessary infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of a new building that would only further the global market made by the business. “This expansion would increase the amount of jobs in the business from nine to 21,” Morgan told the council. In addition to adding 12 new jobs, each job would average around $28 per hour.

Although relocating, Torrent Engineering and Equipment is planning on staying in Kosciusko County.

The council was especially impressed and Councilman Larry Teghtmeyer said he thought it was “wonderful” to see the company be “loyal to the community by staying here.”

In other business:

• John Sampson from the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership spoke to the council about “The Road To One Million,” a vision created by the NIRP that hopes to see the region grow to 1 million people by 2031. He briefly outlined long-term plans for renovation all across the Greater Fort Wayne area, but will be returning in December to speak on it fully.
• Jo Paczowski was there from the Kosciuso County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission for a budget request. The total commission budget would amount to $560,000, which is $33,000 more than last year’s budget. Paczowski reminded the council, “this will not be coming out the taxpayers’ pocket.” The budget was approved.
• The problem-solving court requested a transfer of $1,000 from its medical treatment account to office supplies in order to pay for books for a new class it is starting.
• The Sheriff’s department did not show up, but Michelle Puckett stood in to request a transfer of $400 from personnel to miscellaneous to pay for a DNR grant. The grant is the same as last year.
• County Coroner Tony Ciriello attended to ask for a $20,000 appropriation for X-ray and lab expenses, that would carry them through the end of the year. The appropriation would include being able to do more tests.
• Bob Weaver from the Kosciusko County Health Department came to ask for $41,395 for the bioterrorism fund. The appropriation would cover the cost of a necessary vaccination refrigerator and help the emergency preparedness fund. Councilman Jon Fussle noted that he didn’t “want to spend money just because we have it,” but Weaver assured the council that it was not his intent.
• Highway Director Scott Tilden came before the council to ask for a $133,491.67 appropriation for bituminous, or concrete.
• County Attorney Chad Miner came before the court to talk about the TIF districts that were discussed in the redevelopment commission earlier in the day.

All of the budget, appropriations and transfers were approved. The next Kosciusko County Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12.