Kosciusko County Commissioners approved payment of two invoices tied to park and trail projects: the first contractor invoice for the Chinworth Bridge Extension Trail and the final invoice for the countywide trails master plan.

A parks and recreation board representative identified the contractor invoice to Niblock at "just over 143,000" related to the Chinworth Bridge Extension Trail, which is under construction. The representative said storm drainage is in and trail cutting has begun; an anticipated opening was described as "at least by September," though the exact opening date remains uncertain.

The board also approved final payment of $26,500 to Taylor Siefker Williams for the countywide trails master plan. The planning grant total was $100,000; the remaining balance on that grant covered the final invoice and the county received the final report in both digital and hard-copy form.

Why it matters: paying the contractor invoice keeps the trail construction on schedule; finalizing payment for the planning contract closes out the master-planning phase and delivers the completed plan to county staff.

Decision vs. discussion: both payments were approved by motion and voice vote during the meeting.