BOC Rejects Tri-State Contract

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The Fannin County Board of Commissioners rejected Tri-State Pet Rescue’s contract to operate animal control during the commissioners meeting tonight.Last month, Tri-State made an official offer to take over operations of the county animal control facility. The move comes after months of public outcry over alleged mishandling of the facility by the county. Notably, citizens repeatedly criticized the county for mishandling animals, in one case prematurely euthanizing.

Before discussing the contract, Commission Chair Bill Simonds read certain passages of the documents aloud. After the recitation, Post One Commissioner Earl Johnson rebuked the contract.

“We’re going to be funding everything for the shelter and going to have almost zero say-so (in the operations of the facility),”

Johnson said. Currently, the county budgets $212, 644 for animal control. According Exhibit A of the contract, though, Tri-State budgets $161.595.99. However, this number does not include a required animal control officer and liability insurance, additional costs which would burden the county. Johnson said he was concerned about the continued funding of animal control without the control of operations by the county and taxpayers. Post Two Commissioner Larry Joe Sosebee also opposed the contract, saying he couldn’t see where the agreement saves the county money.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, Tri-State Operator Jan Eaton thanked the board for consideration of the contract.

“I would just like to say that no animals have died since the little Australian Cattle dog was euthanized by Mr. Ferguson…We have not allowed animal control to get beyond capacity since that time,”

Eaton said. She went on to say that, with the exception of one other organization, Tri-State is the only rescue group that has removed animals consistently from animal control, noting transporting animals out of the facility in the past and another transport next month. Eaton said she feels animal control is running more smoothly now, calling it pleasant.

“I think the animals have won,”

she said,

“And in essence that’s what we were about.”

The board voted unanimously to reject the contract and retain the current animal control ordinance.

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