Several matters before Board of Commissioners in 2015

Implementation of a river trail network, establishment of a municipal revolving-fund loan and development of plans regarding a new animal shelter are some of the matters the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners is expected to handle in 2015.
John Dobberteen, chair of the five-man board, said the commission has a big year ahead of itself.
A master plan regarding a countywide river trail system is in the works. The plan will be available for public review for a month beginning Jan. 16. It will also be available in a digital format on the county’s website.
Regarding the municipal revolving-fund loan, Dobberteen anticipates it will include between $1 million and $2 million. He said it will allow townships, villages and cities in the county to secure funds to supplement major purchases, such as capital improvements a new fire truck, for example.
County officials will likely get their first look at a new animal shelter in 2015. Dobberteen said with the county’s likely purchase of land in the Centreville Industrial Park, its first development will probably be a new shelter.
The county board will stage its first meeting of 2015 at 5 p.m. next Tuesday.