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Ashe County approves $10,500 appropriation from donations to replace animal shelter kennel gates
Summary
Commissioners approved a budget amendment to spend donated funds to replace 18 worn kennel gates at the county animal shelter, citing inspection concerns and worn facilities.
The Ashe County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a budget amendment to allow the Department of Animal Control to spend $10,500 from donation funds to replace 18 kennel gates at the county animal shelter.
Joe Testaman, director of animal control, told commissioners the current gates were replaced about 20 years ago, have been repeatedly patched and are deteriorating to the point of failing state inspection. He provided a vendor estimate and said donors have long contributed to an animal-control donation account that he requested be used for the work.
"People that's donated over the years would be happy to see the donation spent in that fashion ... to benefit the animals," Testaman said.
County staff read the amendment language that would increase Animal Control’s appropriation from $441,989 to $452,489, with the $10,500 to come from prior-year donation funds residing in the general fund balance. Commissioners approved the motion by voice vote.
Commissioners and staff discussed broader shelter-condition issues, including the building’s age, needed painting, sinks and a leaking garage door. Several commissioners said the shelter is outdated and suggested a future priority should be finding a new central facility with modular kennel options to make future moves or reuse easier.
The board’s action allows the director to proceed with purchasing and installing the new gates; staff said the gates could be built to be movable should the county relocate the shelter in the future.
