By 1808Delaware
This past week the Delaware County Commissioners held a session filled with key decisions on local infrastructure, financial appropriations, and public services, including an important discussion on increasing dog license fees. Here’s a breakdown of the session’s highlights:
Approvals on Infrastructure and Development
The session began with routine approvals, including electronic records from the previous meeting, purchase orders, and payments. Among the notable resolutions passed were the approvals for several annexation petitions:
- Resolution 24-677 granted an annexation petition from the Powell Community Improvement Corporation, involving 2.52 acres of land in Liberty Township to the City of Powell.
- Resolution 24-678 acknowledged receipt of an annexation petition involving 93.1 acres of land in Trenton Township to the City of Sunbury.
These decisions reflect the ongoing growth and development within Delaware County, as more land is integrated into municipal jurisdictions, likely paving the way for future community development projects.
Recognition of Community Milestones
The Commissioners also took a moment to recognize Gertie Trowbridge on her 100th birthday. Her granddaughter had reached out to the Commissioners, leading to the passing of Resolution 24-683, which honored this significant milestone. Gertie, a talented quilter, has been a beloved figure in the community, and the Commissioners were pleased to celebrate her life and contributions.
Financial and Service Agreements
Several resolutions were passed regarding financial and service management within the county:
- A routine quarterly transfer for the Job and Family Services department.
- A service agreement with Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc., to provide claims administration for the county’s workers’ compensation self-insured program. The Commissioners highlighted Sedgwick’s long-standing relationship with the county, noting their effective service since 2008.
These decisions ensure the smooth operation and financial management of essential county services, reinforcing Delaware County’s commitment to maintaining high standards of public service.
Dog License Fee Increase Proposed
One of the most significant discussions during the session centered on the proposal to increase dog license fees. The Delaware County Dog Warden, Mitch Garrett, and Deputy County Administrator Dawn Houston presented detailed data showing an increase in dog-related cases and the associated costs of maintaining the county dog shelter. The discussion revealed several key points:
- Increased Caseload: The number of dog bite investigations and criminal cases related to dogs has been trending higher, reflecting growing challenges in managing dog-related incidents in the county.
- Extended Shelter Stays: The average stay for impounded dogs has more than doubled in 2024, with many dogs staying longer in the shelter due to difficulties in reuniting them with their owners or finding new homes.
Garrett explained that while the shelter has successfully partnered with the Humane Society and other rescue organizations to transfer the majority of adoptable dogs, the costs associated with running the shelter continue to rise. The proposal to increase dog license fees from $12 to $15 per year aims to offset some of these costs, bringing in an estimated additional $50,000 in revenue.
County Auditor George Kaitsa supported the proposed increase, noting that even with the new fee, Delaware County’s dog license fees would remain lower than those in neighboring counties. Kaitsa emphasized that the fee increase is necessary to help cover the growing costs of running the county’s dog shelter and ensuring compliance with state laws regarding dog ownership.
Resolutions on Dog License Fees and Other Business
Following the discussion, Resolution 24-696 was passed, establishing the new dog license fees, which will take effect in December 2024. The Commissioners expressed appreciation for the work of the Dog Warden and his team, noting the importance of maintaining the shelter’s operations and supporting responsible dog ownership in the county.
The session concluded with an executive session to discuss employment and compensation issues, as well as matters related to public property and security.
Image by Fran • @mallorcadogphotography from Pixabay
