County Hears Presentations From Nonprofit Agencies
Posted
Dan Spalding-dspalding@timesuniononline.com
The county historical society’s utility bills are rising. The St. Joseph River Basin Commission would like what it describes as its “fair share,” and Beaman Home is seeing a significant spike in services for domestic abuse victims and would like more support.
Those were some of the highlights echoed Tuesday when the Kosciusko County Commissioners heard presentations from nine non-profit groups ahead of this year’s budget meetings that will help shape the county’s financial picture for 2018.
The nine agencies are seeking nearly $1 million combined, which would total a 7.1 percent increase.
While three agencies – the county 4-H board, Cardinal Services and Home Health Care – are all asking for 2 percent increases in funding, several are asking for much more.
The biggest request is from the river basin commission, which last year received $454. The group is seeking a hefty increase that Matt Meersman, a spokesman for the group, said would be more in line with what other counties within the basin are providing.
About 20 percent of the county, including Lake Wawasee, drains into the river, he said.
Meersman said that while only a small portion of the county is part of the river basin, it represents about 6 percent of the basin and the group would like the county to fund 6 percent of its operating budget.
The group is requesting $3,599. Much of the money is used for water sampling, including a handful of locations in the county, he said.
In other requests, Beaman Home, a center for abuse victims, received $28,835 for 2017 and is asking for a $10,025 boost for 2018. Executive Director Tracie Hodson said they saw a significant increase in services last year before the group moved into its new facility on Parker Street. This year, they’ve seen four times as many people seeking help through its outreach and non-residential service programs compared to the year before.
“I only see that increasing as we move forward,” Hodson said.
Other requests included:
• Kosciusko County 4-H fair board is asking for $41,802, which is 2 percent more than last year.
• Cardinal Services is asking for $96,071, a 2 percent increase.
• Kosciusko Home Health Care is asking for $44,000, a 1.9 percent increase.
• Kosciusko County Historical Society is asking for $22,00, a 9.7 percent increase. They’ve seen an increase in utility costs in recent years, a spokesperson said.
• Kosciusko County Council on Aging and Aged is asking for $35,000, a 21 percent hike. The agency has seen funding cuts from other sources. And while they added another vehicle, that’s resulted in more operating costs, said David Neff, a spokesman for the agency.
• Animal Welfare League is asking for $81,438, a 28-percent hike. Executive Director Darla McCammon noted county funding represents 18 percent of its budget.
• Bowen Center is seeking $612,150, a 4.6 percent increase.
All of the requests were taken under advisement by the commissioners. Council also will review the requests. County budget sessions are tentatively scheduled for late August.
