Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Warrick County adds $48,000 to cover animal control contracts amid public concern and promises of a 2026 standalone budget
Summary
The commissioners approved $48,000 in additional appropriations to cover animal control contractual services, utilities and supplies. Members of the public and contract veterinarian spoke during public comment urging transparency and longer‑term planning.
Warrick County commissioners approved a $48,000 additional appropriation for animal control on a 7–0 vote after commissioners and county staff described the office’s transition from the health department and the need to move specific line items to create a standalone animal control budget for 2026.
The appropriation covers contract services ($20,000), other services ($20,000), animal control utilities ($4,000) and supplies ($4,000), according to the packet presented at the meeting. County staff and commissioners said the amounts reflect shifting costs after animal control moved from the health department into the commissioners’ budget earlier this year and that some lines were expected to require adjustments as the department develops an independent budget for 2026.
Public commenters raised concerns about transparency and continuity of services. Resident Bill Kanane thanked the board for clarifications but urged the county to provide clear, layperson‑facing communications about animal control operations, donations and service availability. He urged planning for future capacity and said volunteers and staff deserve stable funding.
Dr. John Maltby, the contracted veterinarian for animal control, told the board he had provided services and supplied pharmaceuticals and vaccines under contract and said he had been told at one point not to come in because of payment concerns. Maltby said he is holding pharmaceuticals and asked the board to clarify payment procedures so contracted medical services can continue without interruption.
Commissioners and staff reiterated the county is working to set an independent animal control budget for 2026 and described short‑term transfers and appropriations as part of that transition. One county official summarized multi‑year property‑tax reductions the county must absorb and said the general fund will face reduced revenue over several years, which will require prioritization across departments.
A motion to approve the additional appropriations for animal control was made, seconded and carried 7–0. Commissioners said they expect further budget conversations and possible donation‑ or grant‑requests later in the year as staff finalizes line items for 2026.
