Centralia City Manager Kory Smith is hoping the hiring of a new animal control officer on Tuesday will solve issues caused by the city not having its own animal control.
Smith says the officer will receive training in various techniques used in the job while on duty to speed the process of getting the officer on the street. He reports part of the job is being on-call to handle after-hour calls.
The Marion County Board discussed the impact the lack of an animal control officer in Centralia was having on County Animal Control Officer Ken Ferguson during Tuesday night’s meeting. He reported more than half his calls for problematic animals in August were to Centralia. Ferguson reported 24 animals being picked up in Centralia and 22 in the rest of the county.
Ferguson noted trips started from his home in Iuka adding to the extra work and often resulting in the dog no longer being around when he arrived.
County Board Chair Debbie Smith and Law Enforcement Committee Chair and Centralia Police Lieutenant Steve Whritenour had decided to ask for another meeting with Centralia on the issue that may no longer be necessary.
Board members also commended the city on the operation of their animal pound which they say is not part of the problem.
Centralia has had problems keeping someone in the animal control position since its long time animal control person transferred to another department.
