Harrison County Animal Control in need of support...
NOAH WOODS - REPORTER
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS EXCHANGE — skip to the 03:30 mark in the video
To see them ultimately approve another additional request from department, skip to the 39minute mark.
Harrison County Council Meeting - May 24th, 2021
April Breeden, director at Harrison County Animal came in front of the council at the last meeting to request an increase in payroll to get another part-time animal control officer, as well as a $.20 raise for another officer
Now requesting an additional $1,890 to give another employee a $.50 raise
This employee has been there for over 2 years, “she is the face of our shelter...that place could not run without her”
She was hired under the assumption that she would eventually transition into a full-time position
This has not occurred, the raise is a hope to help keep this valuable employee on at Animal Control.
Animal Control is experiencing high turnover with their employees due to low-wages
Emphasized they get good workers, but they are having difficulty retaining these employees due to non-competitive pay
Kennel Techs make $8.71/Hour and it’s part-time employment
Breeden acknowledged that many view the job as not something that should be a career, but expressed how her employees really love their jobs and want to stay but are unable due to low wages.
They have had to close on Saturdays due to staffing problems.
Budgeted $71,560 for 4 Kennel Techs at 28 hours/week
Money being requested is to raise the current salaries of a couple of employees, plus hire a part-time animal control officer to replace the current officer about to go on maternity leave
The $.20 raise for one officer is due to extra responsibilities that are going to be taken on when another officer goes on maternity leave
Animal Control vs. Animal Shelter
Apparently, animal control is not eligible for state/federal grants because they are not a 501c3 organization, whereas Animal Shelters are due to their 501c3 status
Animal Control rep. stated that she recently learned of other government facilities gaining 501c3 status, often through creating a “Friends of _____”
She believes this might be a potential route to garnering more funding for Animal Control through grants, but this process is complex and work-intensive and she has yet to find anyone willing and able to take on the endeavor
“Euthanizing ferals left and right”
Raised $6,000 dollars to get a spay/neuter suite in the facility so that vets can come to them, which will save a “tremendous” amount of money - however, the facility is going to cost an estimated $10k
Raised this point simply as an example of how conscious she is about maximizing the cost-effectiveness of Animal Control
Animal Control officer and office manager make $13/Hour, 1 Kennel Tech that has been there for 2+ years makes $10/hour, 3 other kennel techs make $8.71.