V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute
Marion County Commissioners got an updated look at the proposed spay and neuter voucher program proposed by Friends of Jefferson Animals along with a suggested “Intact Pet Permit” ordinance during Mondays regular meeting.
FOJA representative Dina Carroll presented a voucher application designed to check for residency, as well as identify the number of pets in a home and their status.
“The value of the voucher will be determined after the application is reviewed,” said Carroll, “giving the maximum benefit to applicants.”
Vouchers will be good for 90 days once issued to encourage their quick use, and will only be good at Animal Protection League locations.
“APL is in Marion County once or twice a month, every one,” said Carroll, “but they also have scheduled locations in Marshall, Ore City, Linden, and New Diana, so there are plenty of places one can take their pet and use the voucher.”
The County is considering a “Benefit Agreement”with FOJA and using g $20,000 of their American Act funds to find the program. They had tabled the program to get additional information and for Commissioners Jacob Pattinson to receive answers to some unknown questions.
Longview attorney Kelly Heitkamp also presented Commissioners a draft of an ordinance the City of Longview is considering to help encourage pet owners to spay or neuter their pets.
The “Intact Pet Permit” requires owners to have an annual permit for any pet that is not spayed or neutered. Heitkamp explained similar permits are in place across the state and have been successful in controlling the stray animal populations. San Angelo and Waco have used it for over 10 years and have seen a significant drop in animal intakes at their shelters even without pairing g it with a voucher program she said.
The ordinance is only enforced when officers respond to another type of call and find animals in the home.
The ordinance was provided as a possible additional solution and no action was taken on it or the voucher program.
Construction and improvements to county facilities were the focus of the majority of the remainder of the meeting as commissioners approved an engineering agreement with Wood Engineering Co inc to start the roof improvements bid process for the Kellyville Community Center.
Other projects include: runner carpeting in the district courtroom to help with the acoustics; additional dirt work expenses at the Cypress River Airport; waterfront improvements,ents for the Harleton WSC; and the sub lease of the old Mims VFD building to Friends of Lake O’the Pines.
Newly elected district attorney Tim Cariker was hired, starting October 1, to begin working in th3 DA office so he can come up to speed on how the office operates, procedures, and current and upcoming cases.
Current DA Angie Smoak Sid it was important for him to start as Msince Marion County doesn’t have a full time District Judge, there are some unique procedures he needs to become familiar with.
Commissioners also approved sending out letters for the 2025 Indigent and Conflict Attorney contract applications.
Lastly, commissioners approved the grant and associated contract for the SAVNS system for victim notifications, and declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness month.