Pictured, from left, Michelle Puckett, Bob Conley and Brad Jackson.

WARSAW — Scott Tilden gave an update on the quotes obtained for the purchase of three county highway department pickup trucks at the Feb. 7 Kosciusko commissioners meeting. Tilden stressed that exact specifications are very important for these trucks because the county highway department generally keeps these trucks for twenty years or longer.

Regarding the three quotes submitted to the commissioners, Tilden recommended tabling the first quote for further review, to be readdressed at the next meeting. Tilden recommended awarding the second and third quotes, both to a local automotive dealership. Motion was made to accept Tilden’s recommendations regarding all three quotes, with the motion being approved.

Tilden also submitted a letter of understanding for an unofficial detour route from INDOT. A portion of SR 14 near Crazy Creek will be closed during construction that is tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2017. A motion was made to approve Tilden’s recommendations regarding the detour, with the motion being unanimously approved.

Chad Miner, county attorney, informed board members that one conforming bid was received on the Epworth Forest Road property. Bob Conley made a motion to accept the bid, with the motion being approved.

Miner presented information regarding an ordinance on internal control standards and establishing a materiality threshold. Miner stated that the State Board of Accounts requires that each individual political subdivision adopt its own standard for internal controls for the purpose of making sure there are no variances or discrepancies in cash and other assets. Miner prepared an ordinance, recommending a materiality threshold of $500, which he stated means that if there any variance or loss of $500 or greater, then that would be reported to the State Board of Accounts. Miner reported that $500 seems to be the average materiality amount amongst other counties, per his research. Motion was made to approve the ordinance, and the motion was approved.

In other news:

• Matt Meersman, the new director of the St. Joseph River Basin Commission, attended the meeting in order to introduce himself to council members. Meersman also invited input from board members.
• Rhonda Helser, Kosciusko Board of Finance treasurer, reported that Ron Truex has agreed to continue as the Board of Finance president for 2017. Helser presented information regarding 2016 earned interest, reporting an increase in interest due to a new contract with Lake City Bank in 2015. Motion was made to approve Truex as 2017 president and motion was approved.
• Bob Conley informed board members that he has received initial information regarding the 2020 census and stated he will look into this and give input at the next meeting.
• Robert Sanders invited board members to attend the county council meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.
• Next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21.