County signs on to Warsaw parking garage memorandum; commissioners expand Redevelopment Commission to seven members

Kosciusko County Attorney Ed Ormsby read a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the county and the City of Warsaw supporting a proposed downtown parking garage and related infrastructure intended to relieve congestion and support economic development.

Ormsby summarized the MOU provisions in open session: the project is estimated to cost about $15 million, with a $5 million contribution proposed from state funds dedicated to an orthopedic industry retention initiative, and the city expected to contribute $2–3 million. The MOU states the county is willing to own the parking garage and that the county and city will agree on the number of parking spots allocated to the city based on contribution levels; the parties will also select a provider to manage the garage and on-street parking.

After the MOU was presented, commissioners considered an ordinance “affirming and ratifying the establishment of the Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission and expanding the Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission from 5 board members to 7 board members.” Ormsby read the ordinance title and recited statutory references from Indiana Code 36-7-14 and related provisions that authorize a seven-member commission and describe appointment procedures. The ordinance, as read, expands the commission to seven members effective Jan. 1, 2025, with the board appointing four members and the county fiscal body appointing three, and it provides for terms and a nonvoting adviser.

A commissioner moved to approve the MOU; the motion carried by voice vote. A subsequent motion to adopt the ordinance expanding the redevelopment commission was also moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners noted prior discussions about downtown parking and said the MOU formalizes county support for pursuing a garage project with the city and state funding partners.