Commissioners review animal-control hiring; one applicant selected and ordinance group to finalize firearms/security rules

County staff told commissioners at the Aug. 5 work session that one person applied for the animal-control officer position; she was interviewed and offered the officer role. Staff identified the applicant as Pam Orr and said Jerry (staff) would supervise daily operations until a director or additional personnel are assigned. Commissioners discussed the hiring process and outreach: staff said the vacancy had been advertised for two weeks in the Smoky Mountain Times and yielded a single formal application. Commissioner queries noted some candidates visited in person but did not return applications. Separately, commissioners said a work group on the animal-shelter ordinance is finalizing recommendations, including requirements for secure storage of firearms. Staff said the ordinance review group will present a proposed ordinance update to the board when complete.