Commissioners approve resolution to establish court-held dog coordinator in law department

The DeKalb County operations committee approved a substitute resolution to reaffirm the county’s prior authorization to seek recovery of impoundment and care costs for court‑held dogs and to confirm a paralegal role to coordinate those court-held cases within the law department.

Resolution sponsor Commissioner (sponsor name appears in transcript) said the new role — included in the approved 2026 budget — is intended to expedite filings for cost‑of‑care petitions and to reduce the time animals remain in county shelter custody. Interim County Attorney (identified in discussion) proposed language edits to change phrasing from 'resume' to 'continue' and to clarify reporting timelines; commissioners agreed to friendly amendments to reflect that work had already begun and that the law department would provide an updated status paragraph by the next board meeting.

Interim County Attorney explained that a paralegal in the law department will support attorneys by conducting research, coordinating reports and helping file petitions and motions. The substitute resolution includes a reporting requirement tied to either the creation of the position or the adoption of the resolution, with monthly reporting thereafter. The committee approved the substitute with friendly amendments by voice vote.

Committee members said the change will improve internal tracking and better equip the county to respond to public inquiries about shelter and court‑held dog activity. The resolution passed and will move forward to the full board as amended.