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Commissioners approve $40,000 from Partners for Pets reserves for veterinary services as county struggles to hire a veterinarian
Summary
The commission moved a $40,000 budget amendment to fund veterinarian services through Partners for Pets reserves while the county continues recruiting a permanent veterinarian; commissioners said social media controversy had discouraged some candidates.
Santa Rosa County staff asked the committee on May 19 to approve a $40,000 budget amendment to use Partners for Pets reserves to pay for veterinary services while the county seeks to hire a county veterinarian.
"We do have an ability for people to donate. We have a fund called the partners for pets, and it can be utilized for different, medical or needs in the shelter environment," a staff presenter said. The amendment would pay for contract veterinary services while recruitment continues.
Why it matters: The county shelter needs veterinary services for high-volume spay/neuter and medical care of animals in county custody. Staff said they have had difficulty filling the county veterinarian position despite reaching out to candidates from veterinary programs.
Chairman Smith said social media campaigns and past employment disputes discouraged several candidates. "Apparently, the veterinarians are a tight group, and, there were some past employment that were not happy with the decisions made out there, and they have decided to tank the shelter," he said, adding that some promising candidates withdrew because of the social-media environment.
Commissioner Colton Wright moved the item to Thursday's consent agenda without objection. The amendment was not debated as a standalone motion at the committee meeting; staff described the need and the planned use of donated reserves for interim services.
Discussion versus decision: The board moved the budget amendment to the consent agenda for final action at Thursday's meeting. At committee, commissioners did not change the funding amount; staff said the money would pay for contract veterinary services while recruitment continues.
Next steps: The item will be considered for final approval at the Thursday board meeting. Staff said recruiting a permanent veterinarian remains a priority; the Partners for Pets funding is intended as a bridge to maintain shelter medical services.
