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Commission raises animal-shelter director salary to $50,000 to attract qualified candidates
Summary
The board approved increasing the animal-shelter director’s salary to $50,000. The change raises county payroll costs by about $10,083.24 (including FICA and PERF); commissioners agreed on a six‑month evaluation with performance metrics and discussed budget timing and city cost-sharing.
Matthew Spear, introduced at the meeting as the new animal control director, described his background and the shelter’s needs. A county official asked the board to increase the shelter director’s salary to $50,000 to attract qualified candidates. The board discussed budget implications, projected overtime and staffing impacts, and the shelter’s reliance on one-time grant funding that is due to expire in 2026.
A presentation of the proposed increase included a line-item estimate for the additional cost: $8,484 in salary, $649.03 for FICA, and $950.21 for PERF, for a total additional annual cost of $10,083.24. County officials said the shelter’s budget appeared on track but that additional funding would be needed to cover the increase unless other adjustments were made. The county noted that the city would pay half of the director’s cost in partnership (city contribution noted as continuing).
Commissioners and staff described metrics that will be used to evaluate the director over the first six months, including public communication, public involvement, grant-seeking, and improved coordination between county and city stakeholders. The motion to approve the salary increase was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.
Officials asked staff to monitor shelter finances and explore funding options to cover the added salary and benefits; the commission also discussed the possibility of shifting personnel funded through a one-time Friends of grant back into the county budget during budget sessions.
