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Benzie County creates Animal Control Officer post after public calls for more shelter transparency
Summary
After several public comments urging more outreach and transparency at the county animal shelter, the Benzie County Board of Commissioners authorized a new Animal Control Officer position 6–1 and heard that MDARD inspections were generally positive and a kennel upgrade grant was secured.
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners voted May 12 to create a new Animal Control Officer position to support the county’s Animal Control Department, approving placement on the ACT wage scale, Grade 3.
The motion, made by Commissioner Christina Trigg and seconded by Commissioner Len Mathieu, carried on a roll-call vote with Commissioner Art Jeannot the sole dissenting vote. County Administrator Katie Zeits discussed recent public concern about shelter operations and said an MDARD inspection "looked good" though "there are some items we need to take care of." Zeits also told commissioners the county has received a grant to replace kennel fronts at the rear of the shelter and that volunteer participation remains strong.
Public comment earlier in the meeting focused on the shelter. Eric Van Dussen of Benzonia spoke during the morning comment period about the Code of Ethics item on an afternoon study session agenda and said he was "very happy that we are doing this" and that he would vote "yes if he has a vote." Community Cats President Michelle Tinoco (Manistee County) asked the board to consider recorded phone lines for the shelter. Kenzie Long, Community Cats vice president (Frankfort), urged more community outreach and a stronger social-media presence to improve transparency. Michelle Lonoconus of Colfax Township said she was surprised that the board opens meetings with prayer and urged clearer information on how animals are vetted and a better website. William Swartout of Inland Township asked the county to abandon a parcel on Lake Ann Road and US‑31 for consideration by a regional animal-control entity.
Administrator Zeits told the board there are no active plans to regionalize animal control at this time, though conversations have taken place with Grand Traverse County about regional options. The board’s action establishes a second staff position in the department to increase on-the-ground capacity.
The board did not set a timeline for hiring; details on posting, selection and start date were not specified at the meeting. The county said volunteers will continue to be part of shelter operations as upgrades are completed.
