Commissioner Vice-President Cary Groninger

KOSCIUSKO — Matt Sandy, assistant planning director for the county, attended the Kosciusko Commissioners meeting held Tuesday, May 29, to request approval of an amendment to the flood plain ordinance. 

Sandy explained that the county’s current flood control ordinance, as it applies to homes built prior to 1987, allows homeowners who live in a flood zone to make a one time nonsubstantial improvement to their home without having to raise it out of the flood plain. Only one repair is allowed, and thereafter homeowners must raise the home out of the flood plain if further repairs are needed.

Sandy described the amendment as “a more relaxed version.”

“What we looked at doing, through this amendment, is opening up the number of improvements allowed,” said Sandy. “It’s a more cumulative approach.”

Sandy stated the amendment would allow homeowners to make improvements up to 50 percent of the assessed value of their homes without having to raise their homes out of the flood plain. He informed commissioners that the Area Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the amendment at their meeting earlier this month. Commissioners approved the amendment.

County Highway Department Superintendent Scott Tilden presented an ordinance for a four-way stop to be implemented at the intersection of CR 200S and Ferguson Road in Warsaw. Tilden stated there will be double stop signs placed on CR 200S, the common one and an advisory one. According to Tilden, there will also be double stop ahead signs, reflective strips on the stop sign posts and reflective spinner attachments as well as a stop bar pavement marking on CR 200S.

Commissioner Vice-President Cary Groninger clarified that the reasoning for this is due to multiple accidents and injuries that have occurred over the years in that area.

“We’re trying to make that intersection safer,” said Groninger.

“We’ve made some signage improvements, which helped, but it hasn’t cured it,” said Tilden. The ordinance was unanimously approved.

County Treasurer Rhonda Helser requested approval for implementation of the Tax Refund Exchange & Compliance System, described as a program to assist in the collection of delinquent property taxes. According to Helser, the program is not limited to exclusive use for property taxes and can be used by other county departments as well. This request was approved by commissioners. 

Commissioners approved renewal of the annual agreement with Creative Benefits Solutions for health insurance. County Administrator Marsha McSherry reported no increase in fees over the last year. The agreement will continue at a flat rate of $3,000 per month. 

McSherry also presented a parking control agreement with the city of Warsaw. Commissioner President Bob Conley said the agreement is for patrol of the parking lot behind Mad Anthonys, a county parking lot.  

“We have an agreement with the city of Warsaw to patrol that parking lot and ticket people who are not authorized to park there,” said Conley. Commissioners voted in favor of renewing the agreement. 

Other News: 

• Commissioners approved County Auditor Michelle Puckett’s request for approval of Tim Keys as the Warsaw Community Public Library board appointment.
• Regarding the US 30 Freeway Project meeting held at the Warsaw High School Performing Arts Center last week, Groninger stated that all information presented that night will be available on the county website and the city of Warsaw website for anyone who wants to view the presentation and information. Groninger said public input is appreciated in order to assist county officials in making an informed decision.
• The next regular meeting will be held Tuesday, June 12.