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Fayette County approves Animal Shelter Phase II plans, reallocates $1.2M in SPLOST funds
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Summary
The Fayette County Board approved updated Animal Shelter Phase II plans and reallocated $1.2 million of 2023 SPLOST funds to cover expanded project costs, amid public concern about a proposed livestock barn and kennel configurations.
Fayette County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 13 approved updated plans for the county’s Animal Shelter Phase II and voted to reallocate $1.2 million from the 2023 SPLOST (R23AF) to fund the expanded conceptual master plan.
Animal Shelter Director Tracy Thompson told the Board the Phase II concept includes 24 new kennels, a livestock barn, walking trails, pavilions and landscaping; the proposal also recommends software to track animal intake and medical history. “Open-air ventilation, the outdoor/indoor kennels along with the kennel size all contribute to happier and healthier animals,” Thompson said, adding that improved ventilation and reconfigured R/O kennels would help handling and placement.
The project’s budget history was outlined by Thompson and County Administrator Steve Rapson: the work was initially budgeted at $500,000 in the 2023 SPLOST, the Board reallocated an additional $500,000 on June 13, 2024 (bringing prior allocations to $1 million), and the new request was for a $1.2 million reallocation to cover the conceptual master plan as presented. Rapson said the Phase II design aims to serve Fayette County for the next 20 years and noted the design’s flexibility could yield about 40 permanent kennels and expand to roughly 50 if needed.
Public commenters previously raised concerns about parts of the concept. Residents Lotte Commerford, Lynne Lasher, Tracy Florczak and Cynthia Saracino urged the Board to review the need for a livestock/horse barn, asked for reconsideration of kennel sizes and the RO/holding area, and requested continued community engagement. Thompson said public input showed strong support for additional indoor/outdoor kennel access, walking trails, shaded areas and software to improve adoption outcomes; the county received 17 comment cards and additional emailed feedback during the public engagement period.
Commissioners questioned details of the conceptual design, surface materials for walking trails, existing fencing responsibilities and ventilation options; Pond & Company landscape architect Sydney Thompson described enclosed models with clerestory windows, large fans and guillotine doors that would allow dogs safe outside access. Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons moved to approve the updated plans and reallocate $1.2 million of 2023 SPLOST R23AF funds; Commissioner Charles W. Oddo seconded and the motion passed 5-0.
Next steps: design work will begin upon the Board’s approval and staff anticipated requesting additional personnel in next year’s budget to support expanded operations.