County approves $25,000 transfer to dog and kennel fund after payroll shortfall

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners voted to appropriate $25,000 to the county’s dog and kennel fund after officials said payroll timing and low license collections left the fund temporarily short. The board moved and seconded the transfer and approved it by roll call.

“The dog and kennel fund … Put 25,000 in for now and then monitor it,” said the Clerk, proposing the supplemental appropriation and internal transfer to cover immediate payroll and operating needs. County staff told the board that license collections were at roughly 55% of projected revenue year-to-date and that even with the proposed transfer the fund might not cover all expenses over the full fiscal year.

Commissioners discussed staffing levels and collection targets, noting the fund’s primary revenue source is seasonal dog-tag sales and that a recent hire increased payroll pressure. The Clerk said submitted budget requests will need to be reduced because available county budget commission carryover and other sources are insufficient to cover all requested amounts.

The transfer was described as a short-term measure. The board asked staff to monitor revenues and return with updates if further action is needed.