County affirms funding for sheriff's K‑9 program; donor pledges $25,000

Lieutenant Doug Willis spoke to the commission about the sheriff's K‑9 program, saying the office currently has eight dogs and that four of those are on a scheduled replacement plan. "I've got eight dogs," Willis said. "Four of them are actually getting are fully funded to be replaced when their time is done." He told commissioners that the office budgets for medical and food expenses but sometimes faces unplanned emergency costs and that he continues to seek additional funding.

Willis also said a private donor, Judy Schafer, has pledged $25,000 toward the canine program to purchase two dogs and offered to help with future needs. Commissioners thanked law enforcement staff for their work and approved the item as presented.

The transcript records voice approval for the funding item; staff said existing recap funding covers replacements and the donor's contribution will assist purchases.