The resolution establishing the proposed North Central Co-Op TIF District received final approval from the Kosciusko County Commissioners at the Jan. 13 meeting.
The resolution has been making the rounds through local government. It passed the Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission at its meeting last week. With the commissioners approval today, the TIF District in the Mentone/Burket area is officially established.
Additionally, newly-appointed Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine came before the commissioners to request a new ordinance be drafted. Rovenstine’s proposed ordinance would enable the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department to charge sex offenders and violent offenders a $50 registration fee. It would also instate a $5 change of address fee.
Rovenstine stated that these types of offenders must register with KCSD once a year. KCSD currently has two full-time officers managing the registry and keeping up with the offenders on it. The commissioners approved that an ordinance be drafted.
“It’s available to us,” noted Rovenstine. “I don’t see any harm in it. It is a common practice.” Rovenstine stated that the state of Indiana already has legislation in place for such fees, and other law enforcement agencies have enacted similar ordinances.
Rovenstine also presented the annual KCSD Jail Report. He noted that jail bookings went up by 300 in 2014. Additionally, female inmates comprised the largest increase in the jail population.
Rovenstine reported that KCSD was brainstorming on ideas to reduce the inmate population and accommodate the increased number of female inmates. To view the full jail report, click here.
Miner introduced a resolution on behalf of the town of Silver Lake. Silver Lake will be partnering with a third party to tear down some dilapidated properties. The resolution would allow Silver Lake to accept bids for the demolition. The resolution sets a minimum bid of $50. Miner stated this is a good move for the town, as it disposes of unsightly properties and would get these properties back on the tax roll.
Finally, Ed Rock, Kosciusko County Emergency Management, requested that a grant of $13,000 be accepted for use in purchasing a new vehicle for KCEM. This would be combined with a previously received grant of approximately $8,000. The commissioners approved acceptance of the grant.
Rock did note that KCEM is still roughly $15,000 short on the funding for a new vehicle. He reported that he would do further research on vehicle pricing.
The next commissioner’s meeting is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the Kosciusko County Courthouse.
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