Macon County health director seeks extra shelter attendant; commissioners defer staffing decision to budget process

Health Director Kathy McGaha and Board of Health Chair Jerry Hermanson appealed to the Macon County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 10 for additional animal shelter staffing and facility improvements after volunteers and citizens raised concerns.

Hermanson said roughly 40 volunteers and citizens attended a Board of Health meeting to provide input and requested a full analysis of the shelter. McGaha said staff and volunteers had examined short- and long-term needs, and she asked the board to approve one additional full-time Animal Shelter Attendant and to shift one vacant Environmental Health Technician position to Animal Control to cover feeding, cleaning and animal care.

Commissioner Shearl questioned Animal Control's authority and effectiveness, citing a situation in which he said Animal Control "did nothing to help with the situation." Population Health Section Administrator Jimmy Villiard, who oversees animal control, responded that outside nonprofit organizations are at capacity and reviewed the authority Animal Control exercises under county ordinance.

Commissioner Shearl suggested leasing the facility or having a nonprofit take over operations; McGaha said the county would still retain limited duties (for example, dangerous-dog and rabies responsibilities). Chairman Young said staffing and potential outsourcing are more appropriately resolved during the budget process and noted an existing vacancy and county vehicle could be used; the board took no action.

The discussion identified staffing, building improvements and a possible community spay-and-neuter program as topics for further study during budget preparation.