Neighbors tell commission septic alarms, animals and security worries remain at Ranch Hands Rescue site

Several neighbors spoke during the S26‑4 public hearing, telling commissioners they had experienced recurring septic problems, visible animals near the fence line and uncertainty about communication with the organization.

Jeff Bassinger, a nearby property owner, said he has been calling attention to work and fence placement near the highway and questioned whether required permits and inspections were completed. “I don't think the permits came through, so that's when I 1st called,” Bassinger said, asking the commission to ensure code compliance.

Braden Ruby, who lives adjacent to the subject lot with young children, described repeated septic pumping and an alarm that prompted the neighbor to contact Ranch Hands Rescue: “They've been pumping it on a weekly basis for the last few months… there's a septic alarm,” he said, adding that irregular communication made him uneasy about safety for his family.

Bob Williams, founder and CEO of Bob's House of Hope and Ranch Hands Rescue, responded that two goats were quarantined and later relocated, that the property is monitored, and that the septic alarm event cited had been addressed: “The alarm went off. We did get a phone call, and the septic company came out and fixed it,” Williams said. He offered to share his cell phone with neighbors to improve direct communication.

Commissioners acknowledged the concerns and asked staff to confirm building, fire and on‑site sewage compliance before any occupancy under a new or amended permit. The commission also discussed requiring clearer communication channels between the operator and adjacent property owners.