Tippecanoe Lake Residents Express Opposition To Conservancy District
KOSCIUSKO — At the Tuesday, Nov. 28, meeting of the Kosciusko County commissioners, Bob Ragland, Tom Van Meter, Spencer Brown, Bill Warren and John Warren spoke on behalf of Friends of Tippy, an organization comprised of Tippecanoe Lake residents who are perturbed about the potential establishment of a conservancy district around the Tippecanoe Lake area.
Ragland expressed his concern over the possibility of home values decreasing or stagnating due to the increased development and added tax liability. Ragland further stated that the proposed conservancy district would have the power to add levies, control lake activity and enter Tippecanoe Lake residents’ properties without permission.
“To pay for this proposed conservancy district, the district board would tax all freeholders and base that tax on the homeowner’s tax assessed value,” Ragland said.
The men further shared their concern that some residents were not fully aware of what they were signing when the petitions were circulated. Brown stated that he had signed the petition due to misleading information and that he is actually against the conservancy district.
“Some homeowners will be required to pay $5,000 to $10,000 a year in additional taxes for a single family dwelling,” said Van Meter, “Whereas the typical Barbee Lake resident, with their new sewer system which was based on a sewer district, which is a different concept than a conservancy district, pays $70 per month per residence.”
County Attorney Chad Miner explained that this is not a decision the county is in charge of making. Miner stated that if the commissioners wish to take a position on this issue, they would be able to make their opinion known to the Natural Resources Commission at a later time, if the petition is actually taken to circuit court.
Dan Richard, Area Planning Commission director, attended the meeting to recommend approval for a request by Stephen Ellis to rezone .97 acres from agricultural to residential on Crystal Lake Road, east of CR 400W, in Wayne Township.
Ellis’ family owns an adjacent 38-acre tract on which the number of sell-offs permitted by county ordinance have been exhausted. Ellis would like his home to be on a separate, smaller tract of ground than the 38 acres. The other 37 acres will continue to be farmed, according to Ellis. An agricultural disclaimer was included, and Ellis agreed to the addition of a restriction stating that another home cannot be added to the remaining land parcels. Commissioners approved this request.
Kosciusko County Highway Department Superintendent Scott Tilden expressed his intent to bring an ordinance to the next meeting regarding a 4-way stop at the intersection of CR 200S and Ferguson Road in Warsaw. Commissioner vice-president Bob Conley spoke about the number of accidents that occur at that intersection.
“Speeds have increased in that area and it’s a dangerous intersection,” said Conley, “If we can control the traffic at that intersection, it’s in our best interest.”
Five sealed bids were opened for the bridge 18 project on CR 300N over Tippecanoe River. Tilden requested permission to review the bids and bring his recommendation to the next commissioner meeting. This was approved by commissioners.
Other news:
- Sheriff Rocky Goshert requested approval of the 2018 DNR grant, a non-matching, $15,000 grant which assists in taking care of lake patrol in the summer. This request was approved.
- Jon Roberts was appointed to the St. Joseph River Basin board.
- Cary Groninger was appointed as the Kosciusko Commissioner representative for the Michiana Area Council of Governments.
- The next regular meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12.