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Jefferson County approves $6,700 wetland delineation for proposed animal shelter site
Summary
Commissioners approved a $6,700 service agreement with 3 Rivers Wetland Consulting to delineate wetlands at a proposed animal shelter site at 1150 Jay Barry Lane; shelter staff also discussed adoption-fee changes, facility repairs and staffing requests during the same meeting.
Jefferson County commissioners voted on June 5 to hire 3 Rivers Wetland Consulting to perform a wetland delineation on property being considered for a new animal shelter, a county official said during the meeting. The county approved the service agreement, quoted at $6,700, for an assessment covering the property at 1150 Jay Barry Lane, excluding the current jail area.
“We’re gonna have 3 Rivers wetland consulting do an assessment of the area, and, hopefully, they'll do everything but the the current jail area,” a county official said. The county added the delineation findings would be valid for five years.
Shelter staff used the same agenda segment to outline operational proposals and facility needs. The shelter director described a proposed “hero adoption” program that would raise adoption fees modestly on highly sought animals and direct the additional revenue toward medical care, vaccinations, surgeries and behavior training for animals that need longer care. “We were gonna raise, like, a hundred. So, like, for dogs, it would instead of 200, it would be 300,” the director said as an example of proposed fee tiers.
Shelter staff also reported building issues including a leaking wall and failing gutters that have allowed water intrusion at windows, and requested that the county consider creating a full-time service position to hire a long‑time part‑time staff member. Staff and commissioners discussed budget reallocation and salary-ordinance changes as the path to convert a part-time position to full time.
Why it matters: The wetland delineation is a required step in siting a new animal shelter where wetlands may affect building placement or permitting. The shelter’s proposed revenue and staffing changes, if authorized, would affect shelter operations and county appropriations.
What was said and action taken: A commissioner made a motion to approve the service agreement with 3 Rivers Wetland Consulting for $6,700; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Shelter staff were told to submit a formal proposal for the hero-adoption fee structure for a future meeting so the county can consider acceptance and auditability. Staff were also advised to submit budget requests or a salary‑ordinance amendment to pursue making a part‑time maintenance position full time.
Ending: Staff will file the wetland contract for signature and return to the commissioners with a written adoption-fee proposal and any salary-ordinance paperwork needed to reclassify positions.
