The Iroquois County Health Committee devoted the largest portion of its Sept. 2 meeting to animal control operations, discussing field calls and shelter intakes, an outdated fee schedule, intergovernmental agreements with villages, proposed department policies, staffing changes and liability questions.

Jill, who delivered the animal control report in Angie’s absence, told the committee the office handled 71 calls in the reporting period and managed dozens of animals: 14 dogs impounded, eight cats, one horse, several lost livestock and multiple follow‑ups. Shelter partners and rescues took animals: Eyecare accepted 14, Paw and Love accepted 13, Heart accepted one; three animals were rehomed and one was euthanized per veterinary recommendation. Jill said the shelter currently houses six dogs, with others in foster care or transferred to rescue partners.

Committee discussion centered on several operational gaps. Members said the current fee schedule dates to 2010–2011 and needs updating. Chair and committee member Chad debated a callout fee; Chad suggested $100 to cover travel time for pickups in outlying villages. The committee asked staff to compare fees with neighboring Kankakee County and present a recommendation at the next meeting.

The committee also discussed intergovernmental agreements that would clarify village responsibilities and billing for animal pickups. The chair directed that proposed agreements and any fee changes be reviewed by the county’s state’s attorney before committees or villages sign them. “We need to see that it covers every aspect,” the chair said.

Members discussed adopting department policies specific to animal control: requiring closed‑toed shoes on calls, prohibiting civilians from accompanying staff to field calls, standardizing animal‑control shirts for staff, using an on‑call dispatch phone, and clarifying complaint procedures. Committee members noted some issues (ride‑alongs, union vs. at‑will employee rules) will need HR and legal review; staff said the county’s insurance carrier and employment attorney resources are available for consultation.

Staffing and duties were reviewed. Jill said the department currently has one full‑time employee, one part‑time employee and two wardens; Jake is currently a warden and the proposed budget would make him full time. The committee has circulated a proposed list of veterinary duties to a local veterinarian, Dr. Roberts, asking whether she could provide well checks, rabies vaccinations, euthanasia of severely injured animals, low‑cost vaccine and microchip clinics, and licensing compliance with the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Insurance coverage questions arose when committee members asked whether the county’s liability carrier would pay for loss of privately owned, high‑value animals or for costs associated with euthanasia carried out on veterinary advice. Myron (insurance contact) relayed counsel from Bob Spring that an animal typically would be treated as property for damage claims but that intentional acts such as euthanasia could be excluded under general liability terms; staff said they would follow up with the insurance contact for written clarification.

The animal control website and online payment system were discussed; staff said a county web page links to a shelter site where residents can view registered animals, upload photos and pay registration fees by credit card, but committee members said the site is not mobile friendly and recommended improvements to usability.

No fee schedule or intergovernmental agreement was adopted Sept. 2. The committee set homework: review the proposed intergovernmental agreement and updated fee proposals, collect comparison fees from Kankakee County, obtain state’s attorney review, and return with a recommendation at the next meeting.

The committee ended the public portion of the meeting by voting unanimously to enter executive session under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) to discuss appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees; Steve made the motion and Chad seconded it. The vote was recorded as unanimous; the committee left the meeting for executive session.

No formal policy adoptions or fee changes were approved during the Sept. 2 meeting; staff were directed to collect comparable fees, obtain legal review of proposed agreements, and return with recommended fee and policy language.