Martin County adds alternates to Animal Control Board of Appeals and appoints members

Martin County Commissioners on Aug. 8 amended the Animal Control Board of Appeals ordinance to permit three alternate members — a commissioner alternate, a veterinarian alternate and an at-large alternate — and approved associated by-laws and quasi-judicial hearing procedures.

County Manager David Bone said alternates were needed to ensure timely hearings and to limit conflicts when business owners serve on the board. The board voted unanimously to adopt the Section IX‑2 amendment and the Martin County Animal Control Board of Appeals by-laws.

Commissioner Dempsey Bond moved the measure and the board appointed Dr. Gordon Rahmes as the veterinarian alternate and Wayne Peel as the at-large alternate. The updated by-laws and hearing procedures specify open hearings, written findings of fact and rules to govern quasi-judicial appeals under the county ordinance.