Pictured, from left, Kosciusko commissioner Vice President Bob Conley, President Brad Jackson and commissioner Ron Truex.

WARSAW —  Sheriff C. Aaron Rovenstine presented the 2017 jail inspection report to board members at the Kosciusko commissioners meeting held Tuesday, March 7.  Rovenstine reported that Kosciusko County jail received an “outstanding” report from the state on jail operations and thanked board members for their assistance with maintenance over the years.

Rovenstine also informed the commissioners that, as of today, female inmates will be moved to the work release center and housed there.

Chad Miner, county attorney, brought paperwork related to the sale of the Hillside Drive property located in Warsaw. Miner submitted a resolution authorizing transfer of the property, a prepared deed for the property transfer and a sales disclosure form. Board members approved the resolution to complete the transfer and signed the forms.

Scott Tilden, county highway superintendent, presented four quotes for the purchase of a new county highway department pickup truck. One quote was not received until after the due date so that quote was not eligible. The remaining three quotes were for $33,115 from Warsaw Buick GMC Chrysler, Warsaw, $31,283 from Kerlin Motor Company, Silver Lake, and $32,380 from Lakeside Chevrolet, Warsaw. Tilden requested that he be allowed to review the quotes and give his recommendation at the next commissioners meeting. This request was approved by board members.

Ann Torpy, county clerk, presented a cost estimate for upgrades to current voting machines and sought additional financing. Torpy stated this will help move toward vote centers in the future, which will save money in the long run. A motion was made to approve this request and the motion was approved.

Robert Cunningham, Kosciusko Area Bus Services transportation general manager, thanked board members for their support of KABS. Cunningham stated they were under budget last year by $3,075 and informed board members that INDOT had sent a paper for board members to sign regarding notification of obligation of transit grant funds. Cunningham stated the primary reason for being under budget is that they were short two bus drivers last year and are short one driver now.

He advised board members that one of the issues they have with finding eligible drivers is that the requirements are more stringent compared to requirements for school bus drivers and CDL due to KABS being public mass transportation. The applicants have to go to specific doctors that INDOT has trained specifically to make sure they complete all required testing. Cunningham stated, “Stiffer requirements make it harder for us to get qualified applicants.”  Cunningham further stated that requirements have become stricter regarding the purchasing of vehicles. Cunningham submitted two purchase orders that have been approved by the INDOT grant application for 2017. A motion was made to approve and the motion was seconded and approved.

In other news:

• Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District requested the appointment of Don Dewitt to replace Joe Todd. This request was approved by board members.
• Drug court coordinator, Ron Ousley, submitted a request for a drug court grant. A motion was made to approve this grant and the motion was approved. Ousley plans to submit a progress report to board members in the near future.
• Ed Rock, emergency management director, requested a $5,000 grant for the Emergency Management Alliance of Indiana, which was approved.
• Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer was in attendance at today’s meeting.
• The next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 21.