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Council expresses interest in buying 225 N. Buffalo St. to explore downtown parking options
Summary
Kosciusko County Council approved a resolution expressing interest in purchasing 225 North Buffalo Street in Warsaw so the county can pursue appraisals and potential acquisition under Indiana Code 36-1-10.5-5-1; council members noted the step does not commit the county to purchase or to building a parking structure.
The Kosciusko County Council voted to express interest in acquiring the property commonly known as 225 North Buffalo Street in downtown Warsaw to explore options for additional parking.
County Attorney Ed Ormsby read the resolution, citing Indiana Code 36-1-10.5-5-1 and explaining that the statute requires the fiscal body to pass a resolution expressing interest before the county (as purchasing agent) may select two appraisers and pursue purchase. Ormsby said, if a negotiated purchase price exceeds the average of two appraisals as permitted by statute, the county would then have to consider eminent domain procedures.
Ormsby told the council, "Once you guys approve the resolution, if you do so, we will then be able to select 2 appraisers to appraise under the statute and then move forward to see if we can come to an agreement with the seller. If we are not able to come to an agreement with the seller that is for no more than the average of those 2 appraisals, then we will have to proceed under the imminent domain statute." He emphasized the resolution does not itself constitute a purchase or confirm that a parking structure will be built.
Council member Dylan moved to approve the resolution; Joe seconded. The chair called for the usual sign vote; the transcript records abstentions by Kim and by another council member (name not clearly stated in the record). The motion carried.
Why it matters: Passing the resolution starts the statutory appraisal process that must precede a negotiated purchase under Indiana Code 36-1-10.5-5-1 and preserves the board of commissioners' ability to pursue acquisition for parking. Council members noted the vote is procedural and not a final commitment to buy or to construct a parking garage.
What’s next: If the county proceeds, staff will select two appraisers as required by statute and report back with appraisal results and recommended next steps.
