Commissioners probe dog-tag compliance and humane society funding; ask for tag-count comparison

Williams County commissioners on July 15 questioned whether the county was collecting the same number of dog licenses this year as last and asked staff to provide a comparison. One commissioner requested counts showing how many tags were sold to date this year compared with last year and asked the humane society to report on collection practices and timing.

Commissioners discussed how unlicensed animals reduce revenue that otherwise supports contract payments to the humane society. Staff said the dog fund typically runs a balance used as a safety net for animal services; the county reported a historical balance near $180,000 and noted occasional donations with restricted uses. Commissioners asked the humane society and the dog warden for tag counts and a schedule for collection and enforcement activity and requested that results be circulated to the commissioners and relevant staff by the end of the week.

No policy change or funding action was taken at the meeting; the board said it would revisit the matter after receiving the requested counts and a report on humane society collections.