County Commission debates private management of animal shelter
Anderson County Commissioner Anthony Allen talks to Jill Startup before the March Commission meeting. (photo:Ben Pounds )
Commissioners unanimously voted Monday to hold a nonvoting work session to discuss the possibility of privatizing shelter management.
Meanwhile, Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank outlined plans to report shelter statistics both online and to the commission.
These discussions occurred during the commission’s March meeting Monday night as the county prepares plans for a new shelter building.
Architect Bill Blankenship said bids on the new shelter likely won’t be seen until May.
Community
concerns
Citizens continue to criticize the shelter’s current condition and management, echoing past concerns raised in public meetings and on social media.
Three people spoke at the March meeting, which drew about 11 citizens — significantly fewer than the previous month’s large turnout.
“The Anderson County Animal Shelter is an embarrassment to our community,” Clinton resident John Jordan said.
In an interview with The Courier News, he described the shelter as “dirty” and “unorganized,” and staff as “unfriendly,” although he praised the volunteers.
“Go visit the animal shelter,” he said. “I hope it’s cleaner then than it was when I was there.”
Nicole Ferrara of Oak Ridge, president of East Tennessee Friends of Animals, suggested the county examine other shelters that she considers successful, including Blount County Animal Center, Oak Ridge Animal Shelter, Eastbourne Animal Center and Campbell County Animal Shelter.
“Our mayor needs to do something,” Ferrara told The Courier News, emphasizing the shelter’s need for improved leadership and facilities. “Either you have progress or you have excuses.”
Jill Startup, who has advocated for better shelter oversight via social media, spoke to the commission and The Courier News, urging more citizen oversight and improved leadership.
She also highlighted the outdated shelter website and unanswered phone calls.
“I don’t know where the calls go,” she said, adding that she faced backlash and accusations of libel for her criticism.
Privatization
work session
Commissioners agreed to hold the work session specifically on the possibility of shelter privatization.
Commissioner Steven Verran introduced the motion, seconded by Ebony Capshaw, with Tyler Mayes suggesting the privatization focus.
Mayes told The Courier News he wanted to explore privatization options due to other counties’ experiences, although he remained undecided.
“I’m not saying we need to do it; I just want to work out the pros and cons,” Mayes said.
The decision to clarify the work session’s focus followed Commissioners Sabra Beauchamp and Shelly Vandagriff’s requests for more direction on discussions.
Both commissioners noted receiving harsh public comments, with Vandagriff calling a remark directed at her mother “uncalled for.”
Ferrara said privatization might succeed, but she urged caution in selecting a private contractor.
“Pay really close attention to their wording, because we don’t want another Young-Williams,” she said, criticizing the Knoxville shelter’s past practices, which she claimed resulted in sick animals being released into the community.
“There are pros and pitfalls to any direction,” Ferrara said regarding the shelter’s future management structure.
Commissioner Tracy Wandell, who supported the work session, emphasized his preference to reconsider a previously rejected proposal for an oversight board.
“Get a committee to figure out what is the best solution,” Wandell said. “This is an in-depth issue that is personal for me.”
Reporting
changes
Mayor Frank also detailed her planned response to shelter criticism, prompted by concerns raised by Commissioner Robert Smallridge. Her plan, which was not voted upon, included:
• Monthly and annual reporting on adoptions, animals returned to owners, rescues, live outcomes, euthanasia cases and the overall save rate.
• Posting statistics online on the shelter’s website.
• Issuing reports on cats adopted through the PetSmart adoption program.
• Submitting statistics nationally to Shelter Animals Count.
• Implementing a volunteer scheduling system due to space limitations, and annually reporting volunteer hours.
• Annual reporting on staff training and certification.
• Developing reports on live field responses, animal-related complaints, hoarding and cruelty cases, and related court actions.
Frank indicated she was open to further suggestions for reporting.
“I think it’s too little, too late,” Ferrara said.
She also criticized Frank for not installing already-purchased cameras at the shelter.
The commission also voted to designate March as Adopt-a-Pet Month.
