Jan. 1, 2004 has been set as the target date for countywide animal control.

This fact was revealed during an Intergovernmental Committee meeting recently.

Representatives from Rockmart, Cedartown, Aragon and Polk County were present.

These included Councilmen Bob Culver and Steve Miller and City Manager Jeff Ellis, Rockmart; City Manager Barry Atkison and Commissioner Johnny Barrett, Cedartown; Larry Pittman and Carolyn Davis, council members, Aragon; Commissioners Don Williams and Sandra Galloway and Manager Jim Bramblett, Polk County and Dr. Todd Hughes, Polk Humane Society.

Bramblett outlined the proposed budget for the animal control center and staff. A six-month operating budget – Jan. 1 to June 30, 2004 – would include the following expenses: Polk County, $46,643; Rockmart, $12,500; Cedartown, $22,879 and Aragon, $2,500 for a six month total of $83,272.

Bramblett said an Intergovernmental Agreement would be prepared by Polk personnel and funding of a joint animal control operation.

He said the plan also includes staff needed: uniform personnel: one animal control supervisor and two officers; kennel: one office worker /animal keeper, two inmate animal keepers/custodians.; vehicles and equipment; three full-sized pickups with cage body, two-way radios, miscellaneous catch equipment and net gun for wild dogs; kennel specifications: two night receiving areas, small and large, 20 inside/outside kennel cages, 32 cat holding, delivery/ euthanasia area with wash room, veterinary area, food supply storage, custodial room, floors, walls and ceiling of non-porous material, well-ventilated and cooler; office area: waiting room with service counter, private office area, conference area with small kitchen, computer system with software.

Bramblett said that a night receiving area will help prevent dumping of animals on roadways and adoptions can be offered through the center.

He said the proposed ordinance requires more accountability, trying to anticipate needs as the county’s population increases.

Hughes explained that complaint responsibility noted in the document provides that people who have an animal control problem with a neighbor must be willing to stand up in court.

“If it is not a big enough problem to warrant standing in front of a judge and explaining the situation, it is not a big enough problem,” he said.