Sheriff reports academy progress and strong animal-control tag revenue; TNR referrals growing

The LaSalle County sheriff reported staffing and equipment progress and updated the committee on animal-control activity.

The sheriff said four deputies are currently in the academy (around the third or fourth week) and one deputy is in an eighth-week field-training program. The office posted new shift schedules and has promotions pending. He also said the county expects new radios and equipment to be installed in roughly two weeks.

On animal control, the sheriff said tag fees are a significant revenue source and reported that in one recent month the office took in nearly $35,000 in tag fees; he said average monthly tag fee revenue typically ranges from $25,000 to $30,000. The office handled 34 bite calls in a recent month and about 20 other animal investigations; the local trap-neuter-release (TNR) program has drawn at least 10 referrals and positive community feedback. Committee member Don Jensen asked for regular monthly statistics on animal-control activity; the sheriff agreed to bring structured monthly reports next month.

The committee approved sheriff bills and animal-control bills by voice vote.