(A) An Animal Control Commission is established which shall consist of five members.
(B) The members of the Animal Control Commission shall be appointed by the Board of Commissioners and shall consist of the following: one representative from the County Council, one representative from the County Humane Society and three citizens of the county. The members of the Animal Control Commission shall serve at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners. The members of the Animal Control Commission shall serve without compensation.
(C) The Commission shall elect its own Chairperson and enact rules as may be necessary in order to organize and conduct its business.
(D) The Animal Control Commission shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:
(1) To make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners and the County Health Department concerning rules and regulations for the care and control of animals within the scope of this chapter and concerning facilities and personnel necessary to carry out the terms of this chapter;
(2) Subject to the approval of the Board of Commissioners, to enter into leases, contracts and agreements with persons, firms, public agencies, municipal governmental units or corporations (private or not-for-profit) to provide animal control services and facilities which may be necessary to carry out the terms of this chapter;
(3) Subject to the approval of the Board of Commissioners, to employ an Animal Control Officer and other persons as may be necessary to carry out and enforce the terms of this chapter and to make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners concerning the qualifications and conditions of employment. The Animal Control Officer and other employees shall report to and be supervised by the Board of Commissioners;
(4) Subject to the approval of the Board of Commissioners, to purchase or lease any equipment, including vehicles, which may be necessary to carry out the terms of this chapter;
(5) Subject to the approval of the Board of Commissioners, to perform all acts necessary to enforce the terms of this chapter, to provide the animal control services and facilities required herein and to carry out the duties, powers and responsibilities of the Animal Control Commission;
(6) To make an annual report to the Board of Commissioners concerning the animal control program within the county; and
(7) To prepare and submit an annual budget in the same manner as other departments of county government.
(Prior Code, § 3-6) (Ord. 12-13-79A, passed 12-13-1979; Ord. 1997-14, passed 12-15-1997)