By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
July 20, 2001
Lauderdale County supervisors voted Thursday to advertise for the construction of an animal shelter that would be built next to Meridian's existing shelter on Cooper Avenue.
District 3 Supervisor Craig Hitt said that Meridian animal control personnel would help design the shelter before the county actually considers construction bids.
Hitt said that Meridian city officials have expressed willingness to give the county ownership of the existing animal shelter, its vehicles and its equipment.
He said that city and county officials must then decide what to do with city animal control employees.
Meridian City Councilman Bobby Smith said Thursday that the City Council has been discussing the possibility of turning over control of the shelter to Lauderdale County supervisors.
Hitt said he hopes that city shelter employees decide to transfer to the county because their expertise will be needed.
He said Humane Society members would be welcome to volunteer at the shelter and may eventually be solely responsible for its operation, leaving county employees to focus on the animal control aspect.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3275, or e-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.