INGHAM COUNTY - Back in November, voters passed a millage to generate 3.5 million dollars a year over a six year period to be spent on the parks and trails in Ingham County. Former Meridian Township Park Commissioner Teri Banas is heading the Ingham County Parks and Trails Task Force, which has been put together to provide direction on where the money should be spent.

“What we’re trying to do is develop a comprehensive trail system that improves what we have, and then adds connectivity, you know, fills in trails between trails, fills in the gaps, so that more people can use the trail system," said Banas.

Besides new projects, the county is also talking about using some of the millage money to pay for maintenance costs, such as mowing lawns or even plowing trails.

The Task Force has held two meetings with discussion, and has heard input from county residents to help provide direction

“Input will be very very key and important, and that public input will be part of a master planning process for the trails," Banas said. "So even if people didn't hear about these task force meetings, there will be lots of opportunities to come out and express their point of view.”

While the Task force has a plan in mind, many residents in the county have conflicting viewpoints.

The task force will continue to hear suggestions from the public, and will meet again on March 5th to come up with final suggestions. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the county Human Services Building.