WASHINGTON

Starting with PAWS & More’s annual report and funding request, and ending with use of opioid funds, Washington County supervisors Tuesday acknowledged their allocation for PAWS’ new facility, readopted a Code of Ordinance, approved use of opioid funds by the sheriff’s department and learned the health department's move to Orchard Hill is starting next week.

Amber Talbot, PAWS director, said groundbreaking for the 9,000 sq. ft. new facility will be early in May, and that fees for picking up animals last year totaled $26,395, slightly less than the previous year, involving 183 animals. Cost to the county for pickups and boarding, up to seven days, was $26,395. However, PAWS also works frequently with pet owners resulting in a number of animals re-homed. It also had a total of 673 new adoptions.

Reference also was made to the $40,000 allocation approved last year by the board for the new facility that is to be paid over three years. During the discussion, Talbot was asked about ”talk” that PAWS may become a regional center and replied, “Short answer is no,” noting only that it could provide short term assistance to others, especially in emergency or court-ordered removals. The new facility is expected to be operational by fall.

Ordinance action related to readopting the existing Code of Ordinances for Washington County, as done in 2015, and included additions since and through 2024. The board agreed it would return to the readopting process every five years.

The board also approved the use opioid funds to establish a detailed information app at the sheriff’s office regarding opioid drug abuse, treatment resources, legal control and more. There also was discussion about the operation of the county Outreach Program that is being administered through the sheriff’s department to aid former prison inmates. To date, the $300,000 grant program has seen a drop in the number of repeat offenders.

Supervisors Marcus Fedler, liaison for the board in the remodeling at Orchard Hill, noted that building 3 is some 99% done and moving is set to start February 12 and 13. At its meeting last month, the Board of Health approved going to a month-to-month lease with the Federation Bank building where it has been for a decade. The department expects to be housed in Orchard Hill by late summer; however, it was noted it could be sooner. In a related item, the board approved a $1,091 change order to cover the cost of additional data outlets for the Health Service at Orchard Hill.

In other business, the board accepted the termination for Stephen Swaffer, part-time county ambulance EMT, who resigned. Board members also noted there will be budget workshops this week.

Special session, closed meeting set

The supervisors will hold a special session at 1 p.m., Thursday, February 6 to consider the initial labor bargaining proposal from Teamsters Local 238 (sheriff’s department) Certified Employee organization. It then will be followed by the county’s response, after which the board will enter into a closed session strategy meeting as a public employer. If any action is taken it will be in the return to open session before adjournment.

Last meeting at courthouse

When the supervisors meet Tuesday, February 11, it will be for the final time in their courthouse office. The supervisors are set to move to new permanent quarters in Building B at Orchard Hill Wednesday and Thursday, February 12-13. Both days will be for moving equipment, including individual desks and files. The first meeting at Orchard Hill is at 9 a.m. February 18.