Clarksville council ratifies three‑year animal‑services agreement amid concerns over budget transparency

The Clarksville Town Council voted Jan. 28 to ratify a three‑year interlocal agreement with the Jeffersonville Animal Shelter, adopting Resolution 20 25 R03 by a 6–1 margin.

President Ramsey told residents the agreement had been signed last week and that town animal services had continued throughout the dispute. A council member moved to accept the agreement and another seconded the motion; the chair called the vote and reported six in favor and one opposed.

Councilwoman Boyner said she could not support the contract as presented because the final budget number was missing. "Without that number, it's very difficult to say who's paying what percentage or how much that percentage is," she said, adding that her opposition was to the document's incompleteness, not to the shelter's work. The council's recorded outcome left the agreement in force despite her objection.

Multiple residents addressed the council during public comment, urging officials to preserve the relationship with Jeffersonville and to form a citizen advisory board so municipalities can weigh in on budget decisions. Jen Fuller Renfro, who identified herself as a longtime Old Clarksville resident and volunteer, said the shelter's staff and volunteers "deserve our deep respect" and urged the council to stop delaying action.

Aaron Sizemore, president of HEART Humane, urged Clarksville to consider regional impacts if local services were disrupted, saying shelters across the area are full and asking residents to foster larger dogs.

The council did not adopt additional budget details at the meeting. Members said they will pursue transparency measures and discussions with the shelter and other municipalities to improve oversight and communication going forward.