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Additional distribution will be sent to county’s general fund %\ '$9,' 6/21( 7LPHV 8QLRQ Kosciusko County Auditor Michelle Puckett gave the county council some “very, very exciting news,” Thursday evening, May 12, as she called it. She said she received an email that afternoon from the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance on the supplemental income distribution for this year. “So, in total, we’re going to receive a supplemental distribution from our COIT funds of $601,122. Of that, the portion that belongs to Kosciusko County is going to be $219,669. And since those aren’t COIT dollars, those COIT
funds are stored within county general fund, so that will help support our cash balance in that fund,” Puckett said. In the Economic Development Income Tax fund, the total amount of the supplemental distribution is $257,624. The county’s portion of that is $160,208. Puckett said they are expecting to get the deposit in the next week or so “and we have to have it turned around and distributed to the other (taxing) units before June 1.” Councilman Jon Garber asked how the supplemental income this year compared to years past. “This is a little bit lower than previous years, which means
their estimates are getting a little bit more refined at the Department of Revenue. And, of course, this is always a guessing game as far as when they collect versus when they distribute and calculating the returns and everything on our income, but it’s always a good thing when we do see a supplemental distribution, because it’s way better than when they over-distribute and we have to return it,” Puckett said. She said this was a “happy” thing, especially right before budget time. In other business, the council approved: • A request by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office to apply
Hearing there were no applicants for lifeguards for Lakeside Park, the Syracuse Town Council approved an allocation of $5,000 to entice applications by increasing lifeguards’ pay during its monthly meeting Tuesday night, May 17. Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, explained the park department offers $12 an hour for
lifeguards, based on a $16,000 allocated budget, while Warsaw and Goshen both offer $15 an hour. He told the council he was not comfortable paying a summer employee more than a full-time park employee, and even when the park department was competitive with Goshen and Warsaw, there were very few lifeguard applicants. He said he will return during budget season with a request to increase park employee salaries across the board.
“I think they’re important,” said Councilman Larry Siegel. “We have to do something to be competitive in the labor market.” Councilman Paul Stoelting asked how the Syracuse Park Board felt about the matter. Jonsson said there were some discussions about the matter. Siegel said the board has to decide whether or not it wants lifeguards and how to pay for it. He also pointed out last summer people on personal watercraft and boats were
driving through the swimming area and landing on the beach. “There were a few cringeworthy moments,” he said. He believes lifeguards are needed to enforce the rules and keep swimmers safe. Jonsson also provided an update on the ballpark. All the lights have been installed, work has started on the walking trail and inside work continues on the buildings. Continued on page 2
Redevelopment commission approves TIF funds %\ /$85(1 =(8*1(5 6WDII :ULWHU Syracuse Town Manager David Wilkinson and Public Works Superintendent Mark Aurich made a proposal to use funds from the Syracuse Tax Increment Finance District to the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission during its monthly meeting Tuesday night, May 17. Wilkinson explained the TIF was established about 10 years ago for improvements along the SR 13 corridor. These funds have never really been utilized and
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have now accumulated to about $1 million. With the town updating its comprehensive plan, Wilkinson believes it’s time to start making use of these funds. The Syracuse TIF is restricted to utility projects, so Aurich recommended using the funds to increase the number of streets to be paved this summer. The TIF, which receives about $250,000 a year, would be used to pave Harkless Drive to Pickwick, as well
%\ '(% 3$77(5621 (GLWRU ,Q &KLHI Ryan Curtis was recognized at the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District meeting Monday, May 16, for his years of service with the district. “He’s been here 25 years. It has to be a milestone ... dedicated to the district is a lot of work.” Tim Woodward, district superintendent, said Curtis started in 1997 and is the only guy with three certifications on the department, he has been in charge of several projects, did all the lab work for one year and much more. “He’s the kind of guy, whatever you need, he’ll get it done ... never complained about his job … he’s been loyal to me. He’s a guy we’re glad to have here. He’s done every job we’ve had. He’s been loyal and it’s a win-win for the district.” Curtis, an Army veteran, was presented a plaque recognizing his years of service. During the business meeting, a quote for the Vawter Park sewer extension project was accepted from Niblock in the amount of $115,457. John Magsam, Jones & Henry, reported the quote was close to the estimate. Since it was under the state-required amount for bids, the board accepted the quote. The contract will be drawn up and the work can begin. Niblock was also the only company who provided a quote on running the system under CSX
near the plant. However, that quote was over the $150,000 quote limit. Magsam will take a look and see what changes can be made to the specifications, potentially going with a different type of pipe. “There are other options to look at. The design will not change,” Magsam stated. Anthony Carrier, engineer representative, reported the crews have installed 37 taps on the Eastshore Drive project. He stated the contractors should be done by the end of the month, including the first layer of paving. Woodward noted letters listing 24 different contractors have been sent to residents of the Eastshore/Northshore and Vawter Park projects. It has been noted once the project is completed, residents have 180 days to tap into the system. Woodward noted they will be paying a bill whether they are connected or not. The board was updated on a situation that occurred on the existing Vawter Park Line, where a contractor damaged a grinder pump and pit. Stones had also entered into the system. Conversations have been held with the insurance company and they were also put on notice that additional damage caused by the contractor may not be known until midsummer and could reach five digits for replacement and repair. TCRSD board’s next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, June 20, at the district’s office.
for a COPS hiring grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for $250,000. Chief Deputy Shane Bucher said it’s a federal reimbursement grant allowing the KCSO to help mitigate the cost of hiring new deputies. The grant, if awarded, will cover up to 75% of the entry-level salary and benefits for each approved position for the three-year period of the funding. The county would have to cover 25%. The maximum amount per officer allowed is $125,000 over three years and then the county would have to cover the full amount for the fourth year. Council President Sue Ann Mitchell said currently an entry-level Continued on page 2
Syracuse Town Council allocates money to hire Lakeside lifeguards %\ /$85(1 =(8*1(5 6WDII :ULWHU
Curtis recognized for his service at TCRSD
as Medusa Street to Front Street and Main Street to Railroad. The total amount used from the TIF for paving projects would be approximately $205,705. “I think that’s a great use of TIF dollars,” said Larry Siegel, president of the redevelopment commission. Another suggestion Wilkinson made was using TIF dollars for a facade program. It was suggested he email the commission memContinued on page 2
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