Perry County adopts animal control ordinance with intent to retain current board and add two seats

Perry County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 2 accepted an animal control ordinance as presented and asked county staff to draft an amendment stating the county’s intent that the current five-member animal control/animal welfare board continue to serve and be expanded by two additional members.

The move followed public comment and questions about whether adoption of a revised ordinance would require reappointment of all current board members. Charles Baumeister, who identified himself as with the animal welfare control board, said he had heard “if this ordinance is adopted, the board that is sitting would have to be reappointed.” Commissioners responded that the county could clarify legislative intent in an amendment to avoid re-advertising or reappointing current members.

Commissioners discussed advertising and publication costs tied to ordinance changes. The county said the principal time that requires extra advertising is when a new fine or fee is introduced; changing board composition would not, by itself, create a new fine. Commissioners approved a separate general-fund supplemental appropriation of $1,000 to cover publication and advertising needs for the remainder of the year; county staff had identified an advertising bill tied to ordinance publication of roughly $1,300, half of which the animal control board had paid.

County staff (Andrew) was asked to prepare a short document or amendment that would record the board’s intent — specifically that the current five members continue and two seats be added — and bring that back to the commissioners at the next meeting for formal insertion into the ordinance record.

No statutory citations were offered during the discussion; legal and procedural comments were given by county staff. The ordinance was approved by motion and voice vote; commissioners indicated assent with “Aye.”

The action affects Perry County’s animal control governance and how future donations or restricted funds for animal services are administered; commissioners said clarifying the ordinance now will reduce the risk of later procedural challenges and re-advertisement.

The county said it will circulate the amendment language once drafted and place it on the agenda at a future meeting for formal adoption.