County Board Discusses Animal Control

Animal control was a chief topic at Tuesday's Effingham County Board meeting.

Representatives of the Effingham County Animal Shelter, EARS and Effingham County Humane Society were all on hand. The County Board was wrestling with how to accommodate dogs or cats that were too aggressive.

There had been discussion that there are other resources to handle the aggressive animals that provision didn't need to be made at the animal shelter. That brought those who provide sanctuary to dogs and cats to counter that that is not at all the case.

Eventually, the Board agreed to keep two cages for cats and two kennels for dogs available at the Animal Shelter when aggressive animals are apprehended. Effingham County now operates as a "no kill" facility, so the numbers of dogs and cats being housed by both the Shelter and by others is growing.

The Board Tuesday also passed an ordinance for pollution control facilities siting, in this case, a landfill. The current landfill owner, Landfill 33, is beginning the process of creating new landfill space. Dan Borries, who lives near the current landfill, was in attendance to find out exactly what is happening. State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said the process is in its early stages, and the County made information available to Borries about where things stand.

The Board gave approval to recycling efforts, with the understanding that there is no obligation to the County, and agreed to offer a wellness program and occupational health services through HSHS Medical Group to fulltime County employees and their families, with the cost to be borne by the employees.

County Clerk and Chief Election Authority Kerry Hirtzel reported that early voting is underway, slow, but steady for the March primary election.

Board member Dave Campbell reminded that the County has over $40,000 now available to loan to new or expanding businesses.

County Sheriff Dave Mahon reminded that deputy testing will take place at 6pm on March 24. The sheriff said there are no openings on the department at present, but anticipates a couple of vacancies over the next couple of years.

The Board also voted unanimously to prohibit the retail sale of marijuana in unincorporated areas of the county.