From left, Kosciusko Commissioner Brad Jackson and Kosciusko Commissioner President Bob Conley. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Commissioners approved a Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation policies and procedures handbook in an effort to simplify the process of starting and growing businesses. 

Suzie Light, former Kosciusko County Community Foundation CEO, appeared before commissioners at their meeting Tuesday, May 11, on behalf of KEDCo.

“The handbook, we believe is important, because it will help…this will make sure the process is managed hopefully more effectively and offers all businesses information about the incentives,” Light said.

According to Light, the policy has been adopted by the county redevelopment commission and if approved by commissioners, the next step would be presenting it to Kosciusko County Council.

The document will provide an overview of the processes and procedures associated with revolving loan funds, tax abatement, tax increment financing, incentive (LEDGE) agreements, land banking, economic development revenue bonds and grants.

Commissioner Vice President Cary Groninger said having a point of content for a process that can be confusing is a great idea.

“It is confusing and we want to shepherd folks along for the success of businesses applying as well as success of the local units of government,” Light said.

In another matter, Kosciusko Area Bus Service (KABS) General Manager Tony Peterson presented the 2022 INDOT operating/capital grant application for review.

The 2022 INDOT operating grant capital grant application packet contained a request for $485,995 in federal funds and an estimated $137,204 in state funds. Peterson said this could be subject to change following a state review between August and October.

“In addition to the application, it represents two medium transit replacement busses totaling $60,750 each,” Peterson said. 

This was an 80 percent federal expense with a 20 percent local match.

KABS was established in 1981 and has provided rides in the community for 40 years. 

“Even through the pandemic, KABS provided over 32,000 rides, which is a good success story considering that most of our ridership was down at one point, to a little over 900 rides (per month),” Peterson said. “We typically provide between 4,000 and 4,500 rides a month.”

Groninger asked if ridership is back up to its normal level.

At this point, Peterson said, they are providing between 2,500 – 3,000 rides per month. 

“Last month we hit 3,000 rides so we’re getting there,” Peterson said. 

Cost for KABS rides is $1 for 10 miles, $2 for 11-24 miles; and $3 for 25+ miles, for a one-way trip.

In other news: 

• Warsaw resident Gary Hurd was honored as Veteran of the Month. 
• Christopher Merrill was reappointed to the Warsaw Public Library Board.
• The next regular meeting will be 9 a.m. May 25. 

From left, Kosciusko Commissioner President Bob Conley and Commissioner Vice President Cary Groninger review documents during the May 11 meeting. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels