Come together on animal control

Animal control.

It’s not the most exciting topic. But it deserves your attention.

The county and its municipalities will be making major decisions, both in terms of operations and funding, regarding animal control in the near future.

An animal control task force, formed by Jay County Commissioners, has been studying the issue for more than two years. This month they presented their findings and recommendations.

The basics of the advisory body’s suggestions call for:

•The renovation of an existing site or construction of a new building at a projected cost of $1.1 million to house an animal control shelter. (That estimate does not include the cost of land.)

•Raising an estimated $250,000 annually via a mix of government funding and private donations for operating costs.

•Turning over ownership and operation of the facility to Jay County Humane Society.

First, let us acknowledge that there is no doubt that the county needs a better plan for animal control.

The county and City of Portland have contracted with the Fields family for animal control for years, and they are now retiring. Dunkirk has a separate contract for animal control. There is no animal control officer in the county’s other municipalities.

Jay County Humane Society is in desperate need of a larger space. Its location — on Shadeland Avenue adjacent to Portland’s wastewater treatment plant — is less than ideal.

That said, there are still key questions to be considered. They include:

•Is it feasible to raise more than $1 million for an animal control shelter?

•Are the municipalities and the county willing to commit to the $110,000 annual funding for operations of such a facility? And will local donors be able to come up with the additional $135,000, every year, that will be necessary for its operation? (The humane society’s current operating budget of $90,000 would be part of this.)

•Is the county willing to provide a large chunk of funding to construct a building it will not own?

•Does it make sense for the humane society, a non-profit organization independent of county government, to take on the responsibility of running such a shelter?

•Who is liable if, at some point in the future, the county, municipalities or donors can no longer provide the needed funding for annual operations?

•Perhaps most importantly, does such a project have the support of the county’s taxpayers?

The best way to answer those questions would be to get everyone together. That means at least one representative from county commissioners, county council, Portland and Dunkirk city councils and Redkey, Pennville, Bryant and Salamonia town councils, as well as the humane society board at a single meeting, probably in early 2021. Let’s have the leaders of all of our communities talk about what makes sense, what they need and what they can afford, together.

They essentially have three options:

•Follow the advisory committee’s recommendations for a new shelter.

•Leave the current structure as it is with the county and municipalities contracting for animal control services and the humane society operating as an independent entity.

•Find a middle ground for a new shelter that provides needed additional space for animals but perhaps eliminates some of the recommended amenities in order to come in at a more manageable cost.

The task force has done its job. It has provided information and advice.

But it’s the elected officials who will ultimately decide what happens next.

This is a multi-million dollar decision. (Based on the committee’s recommendation, we’re looking at about $3.5 million over the first 10 years.) It will have an impact on this county for decades to come.

Together, we can work to ensure that we’re making the best decision, both fiscally and operationally, for our community and its animals. — R.C.