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County reviews pilot for centralized dead-animal pickup, eyes contractor model and limits to large animals
Summary
County staff demonstrated a ticketing and jurisdiction map used in a pilot that recorded about 180 animal pickups and 39 reports not found; the county is considering contractor pickup for large animals (deer) and plans to issue a bid and return with budget figures and a recommendation.
County executives and Department of Roads staff gave an informational presentation about a pilot program for dead-animal removal and an internal ticketing system used to schedule pickups.
A recorded demonstration walked staff through opening a web form, entering caller contact information, selecting animal type and location, and using an interactive map to determine jurisdiction (Macomb County roads, state roads maintained by MDOT, local municipal roads, and private roads). The presenter explained that when the map indicates the county lacks jurisdiction, the form will display the phone number of the responsible agency to give to the caller.
Department staff reported the pilot response data: roughly 180 animals were picked up during the pilot window, 39 reported animals were not found when teams arrived, and one emergency removal was recorded when a carcass impeded traffic. Commissioners raised operational questions about scope (whether to limit service to large animals such as deer), how contractors would be deployed, which department would be responsible, and whether the county should offer the service countywide rather than defer to local public works. Staff said the county plans to go to bid to identify contractors and to bring back a budget amendment for consideration in the coming months.
"When you receive a call regarding a dead animal that needs to be picked up, you will open the web form and enter the relevant information," the training video narrator said during the demonstration. Staff said the county has already repurposed a vehicle (a 2019 Ford F-250) and will require contractors to use their own equipment; disposal will be coordinated with Pine Tree Acres as part of existing organic-material agreements.
The committee received and filed the informational report; the recorded motion to receive and file passed unanimously.
