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Trustees question Morgan County Animal Control service, cost and options for village
Summary
Committee members aired concerns about Morgan County Animal Control's reduced services and higher fees; Chief Eric Hansell said in-house animal control would require equipment, transport, training and a Department of Agriculture license.
Treasurer/Clerk Mindy Olson told trustees that Morgan County Animal Control will respond to after‑hour calls only for emergencies and that there is no county leash law for cats. The update prompted questions about cost and service levels during the Committee of the Whole meeting on March 20.
Trustee J.W. Coleman said the village is "not getting services that we are paying for" and asked whether a per‑call contract could be considered. Chief Eric Hansell estimated the village had fewer than 50 animal calls in recent years and said the fee had grown from about $7,900 previously to a much higher current cost; he cautioned that bringing animal control in‑house would require specialized equipment, transport capacity, officer training and a Department of Agriculture license to house animals.
Treasurer Olson said she would contact the county commissioners again; Trustee Paula Belobrajdic-Stewart asked whether the village attorney should send a letter raising concerns. Trustees did not adopt a new policy at the committee meeting but discussed options including asking the county to justify the fee, exploring a per‑call contract, or leaving services with the county.
Follow-up tasks listed in the minutes include Treasurer Olson contacting the county commissioners and confirming statutory or contractual obligations through the village attorney.
