BOC to move animal control to sheriff’s department
by Dub Joiner -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Gilmer County Sheriff’s office will be asked to assume responsibility for the county’s animal control when the board of commissioners meet at 5 p.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 25, at the courthouse. The animal control situation is part of a short agenda that commissioners will handle during their regular meeting. Mike Tyler has been the county’s animal control officer for the past couple of years, and has operated independently, answering to Commission Chairman Jerry Farist. Late last year, the county enacted a new animal control ordinance which commissioners and Tyler said would help control the number of stray and abandoned animals, a situation whichresidents say has gotten worse in the county over the past year or more. However, in recent months, there have been concerns voiced by local residents that the situation was not getting any better. Farist told the Times-Courier that the matter would be an agenda item at the Thursday meeting and that the sheriff would be asked to take over responsibility for animal control. Also on the agenda is the adoption of some changes in the way residential building permits are issued, as well as the first reader on the adoption of amendments to the county’s development ordinance. Commissioners will also officially create their part of a joint Gilmer-Pickens Development Authority, and name members to sit on the board. The joint authority is to help generate industrial prospects for the two counties, which will allow a substantial tax credit to employers for each new employee added to their business. Prior to the meeting, commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the amendments to the development ordinance. Commissioners will also hold a workshop at 3:30 p.m., in the commissioner’s conference room to review proposals for the Perry House. The public is invited to attend all meetings. |