At the Oct. 9 meeting of the Kosciusko County Council, iDNA, a subsidiary of Wildman Business Group, was granted its requested tax abatement.
A 10-year abatement was requested at the council’s Aug. 14 meeting, when Josh Wildman came before the council and announced his business was expanding its product line, buying new equipment and planning to hire more employees. The issue was tabled at the September meeting due to lack of representation, but the council was ready to make a decision last night.
“When we look at abatements on property, 10 years is a lot of time for this amount,” said councilman Brad Tandy. “I would approve a five-year abatement rather than a 10-year,” recommended councilman Jim Moyer.
Ultimately, the council approved the abatement for five years. However, the council advised the Wildman representatives that should the situation change, iDNA could request an additional abatement or an extension.
iDNA representatives stated the new business was still in the prototype phase, but could potentially take off. Wildman Business Group already has a hit product with its line of Sportula products.
“I took the opportunity to go by your facility,” Moyer noted. “Things look pretty good.”
Also at the meeting, the council approved Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission’s 2015 budget. Jo Paczkowski, of KCCRVC, announced the budget for 2015 would be approximately $527,000.
Paczkowski stated that is $46,000 than the 2014 budget. However, she is confident the organization can cover the added expenses. “We’ve already taken in $42,000 more this year,” she told the council.
Additionally, Sheriff Rocky Goshert requested a change to the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department’s pension plan. His proposed amendment would require KCSD employees to be with the department 10 years rather than eight to receive full benefits after retirement. The council approved Goshert’s amendment.
An opening at the Kosciusko County Central Dispatch was announced. All transfers and additional appropriations listed on the meeting’s agenda.