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County approves Fort Bragg veterinary IGSA for shelter services; introduces new animal services director
Summary
The board moved to place an updated intergovernmental service agreement (IGSA) with Fort Bragg — which provided 26 free spay/neuter surgeries in December — on the Jan. 20 consent agenda and approved placing a group oath of office for animal services officers on the same meeting. Staff introduced Diane Pfeiffer as the new animal services director and outlined priorities including staffing, training and SOP review.
County staff presented an updated intergovernmental service agreement (IGSA) with Fort Bragg that would reestablish Army Veterinary Corps visits to the county shelter for free surgical and medical assistance and ongoing training.
"This is a long‑standing program," Assistant County Manager Faith Phillips told commissioners, noting that Army veterinary personnel visited the shelter three days in December and performed 26 spay/neuter surgeries at no cost to the department.
Phillips said the IGSA had been reviewed by county attorneys and that staff updated contact information to reflect Diane Pfeiffer’s appointment as the county’s new animal services director. Pfeiffer, who introduced herself to the board, said her initial priorities include one‑on‑ones with staff, filling veterinary med positions, improving training and updating operating procedures and technology to deliver measurable outcomes.
After questions about enforcement authority and whether animal services officers could be granted sworn status, staff said the county has met with the sheriff’s attorney and is evaluating whether any changes in enforcement authority are appropriate; county leadership committed to provide an update on that inquiry within 30 days.
Commissioner Adams moved to place the updated IGSA with Fort Bragg on the Jan. 20 consent agenda and to add the oath of office for animal services officers to the Jan. 20 regular meeting agenda; both motions were seconded and the board approved moving them forward.
Next steps: the IGSA and the group oath will appear on the Jan. 20 consent and regular agendas as requested. Staff will continue reviewing enforcement options and will report back on the possibility of expanded sworn authority for animal services officers.
