The next step was given by the Jefferson City Council to move forward with creating a sustaining board for the new animal shelter.

The Council agreed to direct city staff to finalize a draft of a new ordinance for the animal shelter board. City Administrator Mike Palmer says it will be a seven-member board, consisting of two residents, one licensed veterinarian, one city council member, one member from People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), one member of the Jefferson Police Department, and one member from Greene County, who is appointed by the County Board of Supervisors, which is going to be Assistant County Attorney Laura Snider. 

Palmer talks about a main focus that this new board will oversee.

“This board will be helpful, especially on fees. Are our fees up to date? How are we going to charge people who are not part of the city to come in when animals are turned, as something that the council is really wanted to focus on quite a bit. How long do we keep animals there at a time. There’s a number of issues, you know what are the needs as we move forward on this new animal shelter.” 

Other responsibilities of the board include recommending hiring employees, coordinating and direct volunteers, as well as providing financial updates to the council and meeting on a regular basis. Palmer points out Building Official Chad Stevens will oversee the eventual two part time employees and public works will maintain the exterior of the building. He adds the council will consider the first of three required readings of the new ordinance at their next meeting on February 14th.