Commissioners authorize emergency county share for Tri County Animal Shelter upgrades ahead of winter

The St. Mary's County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 11 approved a county contribution to the Tri County Animal Shelter to fund a six‑stall enclosed barn for livestock and air‑conditioning upgrades to the shelter’s adoption wing.

David (department representative) told commissioners the shelter currently houses farm animals — horses, cows, pigs, goats and sheep — and that the facility had only three stalls. He said animals often arrive in poor condition and that winter weather makes the upgrades time‑sensitive. The shelter’s total project cost was presented at roughly $47,045; St. Mary’s County’s share was reported in the meeting at approximately $15,000 (the exact item was entered as a commissioners’ reserve budget amendment).

County staff said the request arrived after the county’s budget was finalized and that finance had advised such requests would be reviewed after the fiscal year began. Charles and Calvert counties had already committed their portions and were awaiting St. Mary’s County approval. Commissioners debated the appropriateness of using commissioners’ reserve funds for out‑of‑budget requests but also expressed concern about leaving animals without shelter during winter weather.

Commissioner Magley moved the motion to authorize the county’s commitment and the budget amendment; the motion passed with one recorded dissent. The transcript does not name the dissenting commissioner. County finance staff will process the budget amendment and execute the letter of commitment.

Ending: The approved appropriation allows the shelter to proceed with the barn and HVAC work in advance of winter; county staff will return with implementation details and monitor project progress.