Work is currently underway to establish a new board with the City of Jefferson.

The Jefferson City Council approved at their most recent meeting the first reading of an ordinance, along with waiving the second and third readings for final adoption, to create an animal shelter board. The Board will consist of seven members, including two residents, a licensed veterinarian, a city council member, a county representative, a member of People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and a representative with the Jefferson Police Department.

City Administrator Mike Palmer explains why having law enforcement as part of the board will be a key component.

“They’re the ones who bring in animals after hours. They have to have access to it, there has to be a cage open all the time for them. Definitely during this process we’ve gotten their feedback (of) what would work for them.”  

Palmer points out this new board would operate much like the city’s parks and recreation board.

“They’ll look at different policies, fee schedules, the operation of the facility, anything that would have anything to do with finance would go right to the city council for final approval. With this new facility, it’s going to take some different policies and things that we need to have in place, especially on like fee schedules, how many animals are we going to take in, (and) how long are they going to stay there?” 

Palmer reminds everyone that Building Official Chad Stevens will be overseeing the interior of the building and the one part time employee, while the Public Works Department will maintain the exterior of the facility.