City to return animal‑control service to Hendry County Oct. 1; commissioners ask review of interlocal agreements and county funding

Hendry County staff told commissioners May 13 that the City of Clewiston will end provision of animal‑control services for the unincorporated area on Oct. 1, and the commission instructed staff to review interlocal agreements countywide to clarify obligations and recoverables.

County Administrator Matt Rollerson (recorded in the attendance list) and staff briefed the board after earlier informal talks with city staff. Jennifer Davis, county administrator (as listed in the meeting attendance), said city officials initially signaled flexibility but later gave notice that Clewiston would stop providing the unincorporated animal‑control service effective Oct. 1; staff negotiated to have the city finish out the fiscal year but the new official date is Oct. 1. Commissioners asked staff to inventory prior county contributions (vehicles, capital and other costs) and to begin renegotiating or updating interlocal agreements with municipalities.

Separately, a commissioner asked the board to direct County Administrator Davis to write to Tallahassee regarding funds held by the Ag Labor Foundation that were intended to serve multiple counties (Hendry, Glades, Highlands, Polk) because records showed little or no spending for Hendry County residents. The motion to direct the county administrator to send a letter to state officials passed by voice vote. The board also said it will revisit other interlocal agreements as part of a broader review.

Why this matters: Returning animal control service to the county affects operations, vehicle and personnel needs and may carry capital‑recovery implications because the county previously invested in equipment and facilities under older interlocal agreements. The board’s direction to audit interlocal agreements aims to clarify fiscal responsibilities and ensure county interests are protected during service transitions.