By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Kosciusko County Council on Thursday night turned back a request by Sheriff Jim Smith to establish a premium pay level for those who work the night shift.
The change would have benefited all staff, including patrolmen, dispatchers, and jailers who worked between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
At least one county council member said the request was just too big, especially in light of a $5,000 increase for patrolmen and the request for two additional jailers next year.
The vote to deny was 6-1 with council member Kimberly Cates voting in opposition.
Exactly how much it would have cost was not detailed Thursday.
Meanwhile, council approved a final plan for the 2027 budget, which totals $96 million, including $34 million in the county general fund used to operate much of daily county activities.
The estimated total tax rate for 2027 will be $0.335 per $100 of assessed property value, compared to this year’s rate of $0.195.
For a full rundown of Thursday’s meeting, check out the Times-Union story by David Slone.
