Commissioners declined upgrade to iPads

St. Joseph County commissioners appear to favor a traditional form of communication opposed to a modern option.

During their executive committee meeting Tuesday, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners discussed the option of individual iPads as a primary form of communication such as receiving documents, agendas and county-related emails.

Finance director Angie Steinman said county administrator Teresa Cupp – who was unable to attend the meeting – was prepared to upgrade to the use of iPads, pending commissioner preferences.

Commissioners Rick Shaffer and Terry Conklin immediately indicated their preference for continuing with paper copies.

Commissioners Jared Hoffmaster, a former Three Rivers City Commission member, and Ken Malone, a former Sturgis City Commission member, said their respective boards issued iPads to commissioners. They said in their respective cases, the iPads served their purpose.

In the end, however, commissioners declined to pursue the iPad option and the matter will not be brought up during the board’s monthly meeting next week.