Fans of Dowagiac’s plethora of walking trails may see some additional paths to tread on.

The Dowagiac City Council approved the acquisition of a vacant 1.75-acre property at 101 Cass Ave. on Monday, which could be potentially used to expand the city’s trail systems in the future. The city will purchase the property, which is located near the Elks Golf Course on Hill Street, for $17,613.57 through the property tax reversion process.

“101 Cass Avenue is really an interesting piece of property,” said City Manager Kevin Anderson. “We’ve looked at it a number of times in the past, because it creates a real opportunity for a trailhead on Cass Avenue that can connect ultimately with Rudophi Park.”

The property also allows for possible expansion into the trail systems owned by Southwestern Michigan College, Anderson added. Because of this and the fact that it’s located adjacent to the Dowagiac Creek, the area is eligible for grant money for any potential improvements.

“I think this is a good property of interest for the long haul for open space and for recreation,” Anderson said. “When you get right to it, it’s located not far from downtown. You can go from the depot to the college and only cross two streets in the meantime. So that can create just an incredible public trail and public access point through the community.”

The council also approved the fiscal year 2014-2015 budget during Monday’s meeting as well. The city manager characterized the year’s budget, which totals $15 million, as being very “status quo,” with revenues remaining consistent with previous years.

“The budget to budget numbers this year are, from an expenditure standpoint, a little less than the last several years, because in part that capital projects aren’t quite as large,” Anderson said.

The council held a public hearing before the formal adoption of the budget, though no comments were received.

Other business conducted on Monday included:

• A resolution approving an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate Agreement between the city and Creative Foam, for $771,926 worth of new equipment.

• A resolution authorizing the purchase of a property located at 307 Pennsylvania Ave.

• A resolution authorizing the expenditure of $219,938.11 for payment of the city’s bills and payroll.