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Budget committee approves added animal-control staff amid reserve concerns
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Summary
The Klamath County budget committee approved funding changes to add animal-control staff (two clerks and an additional animal-control position) after debate over classification, cost and long-term reserves; some members said they could not support deficit spending without a multi‑year plan.
The Klamath County Budget Committee voted to approve a revised animal-control staffing plan after a lengthy discussion about classifications, costs and county reserves.
Chair (S1) opened public comment and a discussion of the animal-control budget, asking whether the draft reflected three clerks and one officer or a different configuration. Sheriff (S4) and staff members said the practical staffing mix on site currently is one patrol/animal-control officer and one clerk, and the proposal would add an additional clerk and an enforcement position. Committee member (S3) moved to adopt an animal-control budget that funds two clerks and two animal-control positions (one full operations officer); committee member (S2) seconded the motion.
Vicky (S9), budget staff, provided cost guidance: a newly hired clerk fully loaded would be about $73,600, an animal-control coordinator at top step would be about $94,000, and the incremental personnel cost for the modification was estimated at roughly $90,000 depending on step placement. The committee debated whether the enforcement role should be a certified deputy or a non‑sworn animal-control officer; several members favored hiring a non‑deputized animal-control officer to avoid certification requirements and to provide seven‑day coverage.
Fiscal concerns shaped the debate. “I have a really hard time approving a budget that's deficit spending,” Chair (S1) said, adding that they would not support ongoing deficits without a three‑year plan showing sustainability. Other members acknowledged the sheriff's office has historically returned unspent funds in some years and asked whether sheriff's-office savings could be retained as department-level reserves; staff explained county rules and the need to preserve flexibility to meet emergent needs across departments.
After discussion the committee took a voice vote and the chair declared the motion passed. The committee directed staff to follow up with precise personnel-step calculations and to return with exact budget impacts when members reconvene.
The committee recessed to reconvene later for additional staffing paperwork and finalization.
