Bond County Board discusses Animal Control staffing, affirms incumbent

Board members spent a portion of the May 19 meeting discussing Animal Control staffing and facilities. Chairman Chris Timmermann reported he had contacted Clinton County to explore a merger of offices but said Clinton County lacked the space to host the arrangement. Timmermann said there was only one applicant for the Animal Control position and proposed consideration of a part-time hire.

Jim Hess, who is identified in the minutes as the Animal Control Officer, told the board that only $5,000 had been budgeted for an assistant and warned that if he were not retained as the Animal Control Officer he would need to send euthanasia drugs for disposal. Jeff Rehkemper confirmed that Jim Hess would remain the Animal Control Officer and the board agreed to continue the staffing discussion at its next meeting.

Under old business, Rehkemper said he would obtain bids for renovating the existing Animal Control facility as part of prior relocation discussions; Mike McCormick reported plans to relocate fuel tanks currently near the building. No final decision on facility relocation or staffing hours was adopted; the board deferred further action to a future meeting.