By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — In what appears to be growing opposition to new government spending, three major proposals in Kosciusko County, including two that face crucial votes in the next five days, could be in jeopardy.
Recent changes in state property tax policy have led to uncertainty on the local level about future spending plans.
In Kosciusko County, that appears to be fueling some opposition over proposals for two library projects as well as a city-county parking garage plan in Warsaw.
The first decision could come Thursday night when the County Council will vote on whether to support the construction of a new library in Syracuse, as sought by the Turkey Creek Public Library Board.
The Syracuse Library has already secured land for the project on Dolan Drive, but it’s unclear how much construction might cost. According to an agenda for the county council meeting, the library is expected to seek $7.3 million through an additional appropriation from the council on Thursday.
County Councilwoman Rachael Rhoades says she’s gotten lots of calls in opposition to all three projects, and on her Facebook page, she’s urging the public to attend tonight’s meeting and express their opinions.
“It’s not government money. It is our constituents’ money, and we need to be in constant communication with them and make sure that we’re being transparent,” Rhoades said. “I believe that they need to be at these meetings where we’re gonna make these decisions and that way they have the opportunity to let their voice or their opinion be heard.”
She also said she hopes the Warsaw City Council is mindful of public concerns when they meet Monday to consider supporting the Warsaw Public Library’s $17 million renovation plan.
City Council has the final vote over the library’s bond issue for the work.
While all three projects have merit, Rhoades said the timing is not good right now for taxpayers.
“These families are struggling. They can’t afford these taxes …” Rhoades said.
“It’s devastating,” she said.
There are other signs of growing weariness over new spending.
Rhoades said she believes Don Wiesehan’s opposition to the parking garage in his primary victory over incumbent commissioner Bob Conley was a factor in his victory on May 5.
Conley and fellow commissioner Sue Ann Mitchell have not taken a firm stance on the issue, while the third commissioner, Cary Groninger, has come out in support.
A final vote by the commissioners is expected in the coming weeks.
The commissioners have been working with the city on the parking garage, which many contend is needed to accommodate county employees and visitors to the county Justice Building.
Part of the funding plan for the parking garage would rely on $5 million from the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI) fund established by state lawmakers.
The county has also acquired land south of the American Legion via eminent domain for the parking garage.
Warsaw leaders argue that a garage is needed for a growing downtown and would spur more economic growth.
An exact price tag for the parking garage has been announced, but officials have suggested it could be upward of $15 million.
Rhoades points out that if the commissioners approve the plan, the County Council — which conrols he purse strings of county government — will still have the final vote.
“I really hope that if it continues and it does get presented to the council as a project for consideration, I am going to do my due diligence and encourage those around me to say no to this for now,” she said.
In another sign of taxpayer animosity, a Facebook page titled Kosciusko County DOGE recently surfaced and appears to mirror federal efforts led by President Trump to reduce spending a year ago at the start of his second term.
The federal effort, led by Elon Musk, was ultimately short-lived and caused controversy, but was widely embraced by fiscal conservatives.
The county DOGE page seeks to scrutinize local government spending and is urging people to attend the two upcoming meetings.
Rhoades said she supports the effort.
“I agree, I think we need to look at all the dollars. It’s sad that it takes those to do that, right? I mean, we should be able to do that as elected officials (and) look at our dollars and make sure that we’re being mindful as we’re considering the spending and that we’re communicating with our constituents,” she said.
Thursday’s County Council meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the courthouse.
Warsaw City Council’s meeting on Monday at the police department training center will begin at 7 p.m.
