From left, Kosciusko County Attorney Ed Ormsby and County Commissioner Brad Jackson at Tuesday’s meeting. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Auditor Michelle Puckett told the county commissioners that information supplied in July regarding the 2022 nonprofit budget requests was incorrect.

Puckett made the announcement Tuesday, Sept. 14, during the Kosciusko County Commissioners’ meeting.

“The information I provided to you in July was incorrect My spreadsheet had incorrect figures on it, so when you gave me a motion on the incorrect figures, this all came to light last Thursday night,” Puckett said. “This is completely my error.”

Puckett asked that the commissioners review the corrected approved budget and make a new recommendation for county council so that the budget can be adopted in October.

Commissioner Brad Jackson thanked Puckett for her “honesty and transparency.”

“Thank you for stepping up and correcting that,” Commissioner President Bob Conley said. “The only way you don’t make mistakes is if you don’t do anything.”

“I would recommend that we leave the 4-H Council the same since that’s what they requested. The others are kind of a mixed bag,” Jackson said. 

He recommended a 3 percent increase for Cardinal Services, Home Health Care & Hospice, Kosciusko County Historical Society, Beaman Home and Kosciusko Community Senior Services.

Kosciusko County Administrator Marsha McSherry reviews a COVID usage agreement. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels

Because St. Joe River Basin requested only a small increase of $213, Jackson suggested authorizing that amount.

Jackson’s recommendations were approved.

A usage agreement presented by County Administrator Marsha McSherry was approved. The agreement is with the Kosciusko County Fair Board to lease a room at the Shrine Building for COVID testing. The agreement runs through March 2022 at a cost of $4,000 per month. The lease is paid for with American Rescue Plan funds.

Commissioner Vice President Cary Groninger’s request for an emergency repair project was approved. The repair involves the boiler system at the justice building. The quote for the project is $147,204, which includes heat exchangers on the boilers, along with another quote of $14,721 to cover the glycol mixture needed for the system. They hope to have this done in October.

Groninger also said the ARP planning committee has formalized their application process to apply for funds.

“If you feel as though it’s something your firm qualifies for, it is something that’s pretty strict on what those uses can be used for, we have a formal application process now but if you have any questions or would like to see if you can qualify or file, contact Michelle Puckett,” Groninger said.

In other news:

• Commissioners approved the reappointment of Randy Cripe for a second term on the Nappanee Public Library Board.
• Groninger’s recommendation for acceptance of a $32,600 bid from Engineering Resources of Fort Wayne for the county justice building parking lot was approved.
• County Veteran Affairs Officer Rich Maron’s last day will be Sept. 23. The county is accepting applications for a new veterans services officer. Applications may be found online or can be picked up at the Human Resources office.
• The next regular meeting will be at 9 a.m. Sept. 28.