Henry County approves one-year animal-control contract at $64,021 amid operational questions

Henry County commissioners on Jan. 14 approved a one-year animal-control services contract for $64,021 while directing staff to resolve operational questions about scope, town mutual-aid and contract language.

Linda, identified in the record as the shelter representative, told commissioners that the shelter received animals from both incorporated towns and unincorporated county areas, and that in 2025 an average intake cost per animal was about $256.06. She said roughly 26% of animals the shelter received originated in unincorporated Henry County but noted the county’s 2025 contract only covered 20% of shelter expenses.

Commissioners discussed options including short-term contracts, mutual-aid arrangements and whether the shelter would accept owner-surrendered animals (shelter leadership said that would require becoming a different operational model). County staff and the sheriff’s office raised concerns about response authority in areas that are not under contract and the need for mutual-aid clarity if deputies must respond to dangerous animals.

The board amended the proposal to a one-year agreement at the prior year’s funding level ($64,021) while instructing county counsel to remove or mark out a late-fee clause in the contract (county entities cannot accept late-payment penalties). The motion to approve the one-year contract passed by voice vote (3-0). Commissioners also asked staff to place animal-control operational questions on a future agenda and to meet with the shelter board for clarification.