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Humane Society asks Young County for larger operating grant; court requests meetings to mend working relationship with sheriff
Summary
Representatives of the Young County Humane Society asked commissioners to raise the county donation from $20,000 to $40,000, citing rising operating costs and increased intake; commissioners agreed to pursue a meeting with the sheriff's office before deciding on funding levels.
Representatives of the Young County Humane Society requested the commissioners court increase the county's annual donation from $20,000 to $40,000, saying operating costs and animal intake have risen since the last contract revision.
Jennifer Spencer, secretary of the shelter board, told the court the shelter has expanded services including a mobile clinic for vaccinations and microchipping and a transport van. She said the shelter had "spayed and neutered over 2,079 animals" in Graham locations since 2018 and that vaccination/microchipping clinics average about 40 appointments a month. Spencer said intake for 2024 was 118 animals and, "as of June 12, this year, that number's already at 51." The shelter provided intake and financial summaries in the meeting packet and noted its county contract was last revised in 2018.
Shelter director Shelby Brogdon and board members described increased costs for medicines, food and veterinary care and said private donations and product gifts have not kept pace with operating expenses. Shelter board members also reported a strained relationship with the sheriff's office, calling current relations "tense" or "hostile." Spencer said the shelter relies on jail work crews for routine labor and that reduced or difficult cooperation imposes additional staffing and operating strain.
Commissioners did not change the funding level at the meeting. Instead, the court urged the Humane Society and sheriff's office to meet with county leaders to rebuild working relationships and clarify processes for intake and law‑enforcement drop‑offs. One commissioner suggested exploring juror‑donation options (allowing jurors to donate their juror pay) as an additional revenue stream, and another said commissioners will consider funding changes in the August budget process if the service level and partnerships warrant additional support.
Ending: The court took no action on the requested increase. Commissioners asked shelter representatives and sheriff's office leaders to meet with county staff to clarify protocols and return with recommendations before the budget workshop; the court left open the possibility of reconsidering the county donation after partnership issues are resolved.
