Lapeer County animal control staff told commissioners on Aug. 14 they will hold Bark in the Park on Sept. 27 at Harrow Fire Park, expand public hours and step up volunteer recruitment as they continue work on a new county animal control facility.

The animal control director (name not given) said Bark in the Park will include a food truck, a partnership with county veteran services and a “Dunk a deputy” fund-raiser featuring volunteers from the sheriff’s department. Staff reported the parks are seeing increased use and described other community events and upgrades.

Starting Aug. 18, the animal shelter will add Thursday hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and staff plan monthly volunteer meetings to broaden participation. The director also explained a new two-year dog license option intended to help residents whose pets are mid-cycle on rabies vaccination; the two-year license carries no price increase and aims to provide convenience without raising fees.

During public comment, representatives of Michigan Pet Alliance offered assistance and tours of Ingham County’s shelter to share best practices, citing programs that improve shelter operations, community engagement and possible revenue-generating services. The alliance representative said Lapeer County’s animal control operates with one of the smaller budgets in the state and fewer staff, limiting the range of programs the county can adopt without increased funding.

Chairman Howell noted the county is investing roughly a little over $1 million in a new animal control facility and said the commission is supportive but not in a position to micromanage day-to-day operations. Commissioners encouraged continued collaboration with outside groups and the animal control director to identify practical improvements.

The board approved a consent item related to animal control licensing and other routine requests during the meeting.