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Benzie County introduces animal-control ordinance changes, discusses possible regional shelter
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Summary
The commissioners introduced amendments to the county Animal Control Enforcement Ordinance, set a March 24 enactment review, and heard county staff say talks with Grand Traverse County about a regional shelter are preliminary; a resident urged the board not to use the Inland Township property for a regional facility.
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners on March 10 introduced amendments to the county Animal Control Enforcement Ordinance and scheduled the ordinance for possible enactment on March 24, 2026.
Commissioner Tim Markey moved and Commissioner Gary Sauer seconded the introduction of the amended ordinance; the board approved the motion by roll call (Ayes: Jeannot, Markey, Mathieu, Nye, Roelofs, Sauer; Excused: Christina Trigg). Undersheriff Greg Hubers was present earlier in the meeting to answer questions on a different agenda item.
County Administrator Katie Zeits updated the board on initial discussions with Grand Traverse County, staff, volunteers and representatives of the Animal Welfare League to explore whether a regional animal-control model is worth pursuing. Zeits said the counties have met once and that property options were investigated; she said there will be a follow-up meeting on March 25, 2026, in Grand Traverse County to continue the discussion. The record shows limited public meetings to date and no final decision or site selection has been made.
Resident William Swartout, speaking during public comment, objected to considering the Inland Township property at US 31 and Reynolds Road as a site, saying it is "not a location for a regional Animal Control shelter" for the people of Inland Township. Chair Art Jeannot later said at the close of public comment that "the vision that Katie has for Animal Control is our vision for Animal Control." The minutes record that county staff also investigated other properties and that media coverage (Record Patriot) has included two articles on the topic.
The ordinance amendments were introduced for further review; enactment will be considered at the board’s March 24 meeting. No binding contracts or final site selections were approved on March 10.