City Commission could approve ordinance

Members of the Three Rivers City Commission could be less than a month from approving an ordinance regulating donation boxes.

Following discussion on the matter during Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners ironed out a few specifics to a draft ordinance presented Feb. 4 by city attorney Pat O’Malley. With the feedback presented Tuesday, O’Malley will make revisions and potentially have a final draft ready for first reading March 4.

According to terms of the proposed ordinance, the city would allow non-profit, local organizations to obtain a special-exception permit in order to keep a box anywhere in the city.

If an ordinance is approved, commissioners are expected to allow current boxes to remain in place for one year if they aren’t in compliance with the non-profit, local requirement.

Commissioners agreed “local” means St. Joseph County-based.