The Marion County Board gave approval Tuesday night to a joint operating agreement that has allowed them to take over operation of the Centralia Animal Pound.
Board Chair Steve Whritenour expects to approve the purchase of the property next month after the City of Centralia acts on the sale earlier in the month. Meanwhile, he reports initial operation has gone well.
“It’s been a great transition,” Whritenour said. “I can’t thank the city of Centralia enough for working with Marion County throughout this entire process. It’s gone great. Whitney Purcell has done an unbelievable job with this, taking this new role on as administrator. She gave a report tonight that they took 24 animals in and 21 went out. That’s pretty solid numbers. That means she’s getting them adopted, getting them rescued, and getting animals returned to their owners.”
Whritenour says taking over animal control in the Marion County section of Centralia has also gone well. He reports at this time, the plan is to house dogs only.
The county board approved a $12,000 one-year contract extension of the agreement with Everbridge to provide residents with a chance to sign up for storm warnings over the phone. Whritenour will work to see if cities want to help share in the cost.
Whritenour reported there are nine applicants so far for the 911 coordinator position being vacated by the resignation of Stacey Bradford.
