Humane shelter changes veterinary staff requirements

With the animal care and control department again in place in Putnam County, two animal control officers have been responding to animal calls throughout the county for nearly a month.

This "functional operational" phase, as sheriff's department officials termed it, remains a step or two short of the fully operational level county authorities are hoping for.

One missing element has been the lack of a veterinary technician on staff at the shelter. Under the terms of a contract between the Humane Society of Putnam County (HSPC) and Putnam County Sheriff's Department, the HSPC is to hire the veterinary tech.

However, this plan has run into problems, as qualified applicants are in short supply.

Sheriff's department Chief Deputy Phil Parker told the Putnam County Commissioners on Monday that some of the applicants have been veterinary assistants, a career that requires less training than a veterinary technician.

At the request of the sheriff's department and HSPC, the commissioners approved a plan to change the requirement to allow a veterinary assistant to fill the position.

Parker reported that no staff member has been required so far, as the department has simply been calling on the services of a veterinarian as needed.

While the hourly cost of a veterinarian is much higher, the hours have been minimal and therefore more cost effective.

The non-veterinary tasks have been fulfilled by the animal control officers and HSPC volunteers.

While the new terms of the contract will give the animal control department more flexibility, Parker said they may continue to operate as they have, simply calling in the veterinarian when needed.

Parker also brought a pair of sheriff's department matters before the board, including the need to hire another merit deputy.

Deputy Josh Boller recently left the department, departing for a an opportunity outside law enforcement.

The vacancy leaves the department short three merit deputies, coupled with the retirement of Craig Sibbitt and resignation of Tyler Turner.

Parker reported that the hiring process is progressing well, and all three positions should be filled around the beginning of September.

The chief deputy also discussed the ongoing effort by Sheriff Scott Stockton to "demilitarize, (the department) to a certain extent." Among these efforts have been getting PCSD out of a military surplus program, as well as returning machine guns and a Humvee procured through the program.

Stockton disbanded the department SWAT team and the department is trying to get rid of the associated equipment.

"We don't have need for a SWAT team anymore," Parker said. "We've had need for a SWAT team once since January and we called the State Police and it worked out beautifully."

The department is now hoping to sell a $1,600 night vision scope that was purchased for the one of the SWAT team guns no longer in the inventory.

One officer on the department is interested in buying the scope for himself, and Parker was seeking the commissioners' guidance on the subject.

County Attorney Jim Ensley said he would review county policy to see if such a sale can be made directly or if such an item must go through an auction.

In other business:

* County Highway Supervisor Mike Ricketts gave updates on a pair of bridge projects in the county.

Dunbar Road is on schedule to be reopen at the end of August, as Bridge 104, which is just northeast of Dunbar Covered Bridge, should be completed on time.

Bridge 41, on County Road 800 North in southern Franklin Township, should be reopened early next week.

* Ricketts also reported that the county had 66 participants in its gravel road oil strips program, up three from last year. This cost-share program cost the county $11,380 of a budgeted $15,000.

* The commissioners approved a drug testing agreement for courthouse employees with Midwest Toxicology.