Animal control seeks $79,000 to finish kennels and requests a part‑time receptionist amid move to new facility

The county animal control director said work paid out of the current budget — landscaping and fence installation — will continue and that available funds may be applied to complete kennel construction at the new shelter. Staff estimated capital costs to finish the dog kennels at roughly $79,000 and asked for a part‑time receptionist (29 hours/week) with a requested total cost of $37,954 to reduce the need to pull kennel technicians from animal care duties.

"We have been the moving has been interesting...we have been in the new building about three weeks fully functional," the director said, describing a transition from temporary arrangements and noting some utility and dumpster costs remain uncertain. The director added she had increased the vet-services line slightly following a well-attended rabies clinic and raised postage to cover higher mailing costs for some shipments.

Commissioners thanked staff for the move and asked for a detailed follow-up when the kennel-completion plan and exact capital needs are ready for an agenda item; the receptionist request will be reviewed as a special personnel request in subsequent workshops.