Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves move to accept donated K-9 pending certification and legal checks
Summary
The board approved moving forward with accepting a donated K-9 that would add capacity to the sheriff—s canine program, contingent on certification, county acceptance of the donation, and final insurance/MCIT review. County staff described the donation as a likely $20,000 in initial value and roughly $10,000 a year in ongoing costs.
Commissioners authorized proceeding with a plan for a donated canine to augment the sheriff—s K-9 program, subject to certification and final legal and insurance review.
Public safety committee staff explained an officer had acquired a dog and sought to donate it to the county. The sheriff—s office representative said certification bodies typically require the dog be sponsored or allocated to an agency before they will certify it; if certification does not happen, the sheriff said the department would "walk away from the deal." The representative characterized the donation as roughly a $20,000 value for initial procurement/training on the front end, with ongoing maintenance costs near $10,000 per year.
Commissioners asked whether liability and ownership had been discussed with the county attorney; the sheriff—s representative said the dog would be county property while in service and that handlers often have the opportunity to keep the dog after retirement consistent with past practice. County staff said acceptance of the donation and MCIT coverage should address insurance concerns.
The board moved and approved the committee recommendation to proceed with the donation/certification path, with staff directed to complete any necessary legal and insurance steps before final acceptance.
