Resident urges removal of $5 million for animal care facility from proposed millage increase

Richard (Rick) Heffelfinger of District 1 urged the board to remove $5,000,000 earmarked for an animal care facility from the proposed increase to the general fund, saying the facility is not a critical or emergency need and urging reallocation of sheriff MSTU carryforward funds instead.

"I would like to ask the board to remove $5,000,000 designated for that from the increase over the proposed millage to the general fund," Heffelfinger said, noting the animal facility is 30 years old but arguing it did not meet the threshold for critical need and suggesting the sheriff could reallocate MSTU funds. Heffelfinger also referenced prior budget adjustments and a carryforward in the sheriff's MSTU fund and recommended the board ask the sheriff to prioritize critical needs within his funding.

Why it matters: the request would shift how the county funds a capital priority and could reduce the general fund impact on taxpayers if alternative funding is available. The board acknowledged the comment and did not amend the budget at the hearing; staff follow-up would be required to assess the sheriff's MSTU balances and policy constraints.