Marshall County creates Animal Enforcement Department under sheriff with $147,573 budget increase

Marshall County commissioners approved creating an Animal Enforcement Department that will be administered by the sheriff’s office and funded through the general fund. Staff described the new unit as two enforcement positions (one officer and one assistant), training, equipment and a vehicle. To fund the department, staff requested and the commission approved a $147,573.31 increase to the general fund balance to cover the first‑year costs.

As part of the change, staff proposed renaming the existing 'Animal Control' budget to 'Animal Shelter' and moving one paid position from the current budget into the new Animal Enforcement budget; the net change in the animal shelter budget after transfers and adjustments is a $55,839.23 decrease. Staff said animal intakes have nearly doubled year‑over‑year, increasing veterinary, vaccination and food costs and requiring higher operating budgets for the shelter.

Commissioners asked that the detailed numbers used by the administrator be included on the regular agenda when final budget adjustments are considered; staff agreed to supply those figures. The commission approved motions on both the creation of the Animal Enforcement Department and the renaming/modification of the animal shelter budget.