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Centralia willing to work with Marion County on dog problem

By Austin Williams Jan 29, 2025 | 1:26 PM
Marion County Board Chair Steve Whritenour.

Marion County Board Chair Steve Whritenour is optimistic they can work with Centralia to house the county’s dogs caught running at large.

He reported to the county board Tuesday night he had an initial meeting with Centralia’s new City Manager Galen Mahle who agreed to look into the possibilities with the staff at their animal control facility.  Mahle indicated he should have an answer within the 30 days Whritenour requested.

The old county board rejected a new contract with Centralia in November causing the current problem of housing dogs picked up by the county animal control officer.   But Whritenour feels the general terms are acceptable.

“That contract was fair,” Whritenour said. “I understand it was kind of a big shock at first when the amount doubled, but the amount was the same for thirteen years. In the new contract there’s a five percent raise that’s automatically figured, and that’s in it each year.”

Whritenour also sees a possibility the county could work with the city to add additional runs for dogs picked up.

The county is looking at a much higher cost to build their own facility.

Community Relations Committee Chair Tracy Murray reported Salem was not interested in working with the county on the problem.

The board approved an interim agreement with the Doggie Den in Centralia to house up to 15 dogs at a cost of $15 a day.

The county had been using Paws Here Vet Services at a cost of $40 a day.   The bills for the first month was $7,878 after a $500 donation back to the county.

Under state law, the county is responsible for animal control for all residents.  They haven’t yet addressed providing services to the smaller municipalities.