Nonprofits Give Budget Presentations At Council Meeting
KOSCIUSKO — The Kosciusko County Council met Thursday, July 14, to discuss money transfers and to hear nonprofit organizations budget presentations.
A representative from each nonprofit organization that is funded, or partially funded, by the county gave a presentation as to why their organization needs a budget increase.
Kosciusko County Historical Society asked for a slight increase in budget to help with elevator maintenance. Historical Society Director Sally Hogan told the council the elevator is needed for people with physical disabilities to be able to reach the second floor of the museum. The Historical Society has not asked for an increase in budget for three years.
Renee Messmore, Kosciusko County 4-H Fair, talked of a program, where even “city” kids can participate in 4-H, by leasing livestock. Messmore showed the council a picture on her cell phone of a young girl laying with her calf, saying goodbye, because it is being sold.
Cardinal CEO Randy Hall, asked for a slight budget increase to cover the services Cardinal provides. Cardinal Services oversees KABS, community living and Headstart programs. Hall talked of how Cardinal Services help people with intellectual disabilities live in their own homes through assisted living. He also mentioned Kabs has been running for over 30 years and have given upwards to 40,000-50,000 rides over the entire county.
Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice Director Rick Paczkowski, explained the program helps the elderly and the disabled stay in their homes instead of institutionalized healthcare. Paczkowski is also asking for a slight budget increase.
Tracie Hodson, Beaman Home executive director, asked for an increase in funds to hire a certified food service person and for help with telephone and internet costs. The WiFi would be used for women living in the shelter to complete online college courses or to fill out applications for a job search.
Sue Ann Mitchell, Kosciusko Community Senior Services board member, discussed how the Council on Aging offers rides for seniors, mobile meals, wellness checks and helps seniors make community connections.
Darla McCammon, executive director of the Animal Welfare League, told the council how pets help people. She said children who live in a home with pets are less likely to have allergies, pets help boost the immune system, help with stress and anxiety and those who have had a heart attack are less likely to have a second one with a pet in the home. McCammon told the commissioners they were the main source of funding for the animal shelter.
Bowen Center CEO Kurt Carlson, mentioned this is the 55th anniversary year of the Bowen Center. In the last year the Bowen Center had 6,200 patients in Kosciusko County.
Jeremy Reiman, of the St. Joe River Basin commission, gave an update on the water quality testing.
In other news:
- $5,518 was transferred from liability insurance to workman’s compensation for the highway department.
- $1,158.66 was transferred from insurance payment to repairs and maintenance for repairs on a vehicle for the Kosciusko Sheriff’s Department.
- A veteran service officer salary ordinance was approved, changing the position from salary to hourly.
- Kurt Jones, director of Kosciusko County Corrections, was approved for a amended salary ordinance that changes his title to chief probation officer and a $5,000 annual increase in salary.
- The budget for Fire District 2 was approved for July 2016-June 2017 at $40,568.40: $6,000 for property liability insurance; $10,000 repairs/maintenance; $6,000 property maintenance; $2,500 disposables training; $12,638.40 district live fire training; $930 grant management agent fee and $2,500 for books.
- Fire district 2 had an additional appropriation for $13,641.85, which is the difference between what was approved at the last meeting and what should have been asked for.
The next regular county council meeting will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11.