County considers donation to HELP the Animals

Wayne County’s commissioners plan to donate unspent American Rescue Plan Act money earmarked for animal welfare to the HELP the Animals shelter.

A memorandum of understanding is being prepared for consideration during the commissioners’ Dec. 11 meeting. They will not meet Dec. 4 because of a conference.

The county provided $50,000 in ARPA money to address animal welfare through the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program. The program’s acronym is coincidental to the name of the shelter that will benefit from it.

The city of Richmond also contributed $50,000, with the entities splitting expenses.

From that $100,000 pot, $40,000 was spent on an assessment by national consultant Sara Pizano, and $30,000 was spent for local veterinarian Dr. Stacy Kostiuk to begin implementing programs to benefit animals. The fund has also paid for trap-spay/neuter-release programs for cats and low-cost health clinics.

Commissioner Jeff Plasterer introduced Nov. 27 the idea of donating the remaining county funds to HELP the Animals. He expects it to fall within the $5,000 to $10,000 range when all expenses are paid. The MOU would stipulate how HELP could use the funds, making it easy for HELP to spend the funds how it needs.

Commissioner Mary Anne Butters expressed that veterinary care for shelter animals should be a primary expense. She also indicated again that the contribution is not enough and commissioners should consider providing more money. At one time, Butters requested $500,000 from ARPA be spent on animal welfare.

A line item contains money saved in the general fund this year when ARPA money was used for general fund expenses rather than projects. Plasterer said decisions about that money would be made next year. Butters, who did not run for reelection, will be replaced by Aaron Roberts, a former animal control officer.

Commissioners are also finalizing a contract with HELP the Animals to accept animals from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office next year. The county pays $200 per dog and has added a $100 provision to offset spay/neuter costs for animals the county places that are available for adoption.

Also, Butters had previously informed commissioners that she intended to draft an ordinance that would include stricter regulations for humane treatment of pets. She said the county animal control officer did not favor the ordinance, so Butters no longer plans to create it.

Sheriff’s contracts

Major Alan Moore, the sheriff’s chief deputy, presented two contracts for commissioners’ consideration.

Commissioners approved a contract with Neogov for Power DMS software that will contain department polices, track employee time, and organize information for employee evaluations and training. Cost is $11,450, which includes a $5,000 setup fee to customize the software for the sheriff’s department.

Moore said the web-based software provides better documentation for employees, who can access their training reports.

Commissioners delayed action on a contract with Cintas to inventory, manage, and stock cleaning and other supplies. The contract was presented as five years with a $35-per-week minimum commitment.

Currently jail administration tracks supply use and places orders for restocking.

Other actions

• Commissioners approved 3-0 a interlocal agreement with the city of Richmond to provide $1.4 million in ARPA money for the activation of the Whitewater Gorge Park. The money was committed through the HELP program.
• Commissioners voted 3-0 to recommend to Wayne County Council both parts of a security upgrade. A $273,120 bid was received to provide a proximity card system for doors at the courthouse, administration building and health department. The second part is acquiring a new X-ray machine for courthouse security’s use. That’s expected to cost around $46,500.