Commission approves contingency funding for animal services and appoints Rick Parker to land bank

The Clarke County Commission voted to amend the FY2026 operating and capital budget to provide contingency funding for the Animal Services Department to cover medical care, services and supplies.

Attorney Drake read the ordinance to the commission before the vote. Commissioner Link moved to approve the budget amendment and Commissioner Taylor seconded. “I’m glad to see these animals taken care of,” Commissioner Link said during remarks. The motion was approved on a voice vote; no roll-call tally was provided.

During the same special session the commission approved the appointment of Rick Parker to the Clarke County Land Bank Authority. Commissioner Link made the motion and Commissioner Taylor seconded; the motion carried by voice vote and Parker was thanked for agreeing to serve.

The actions came at the start of a short special-called portion of the evening ahead of a longer agenda-setting meeting. The commission also voted to enter an executive session after the agenda-setting work to discuss real estate matters.