Animal shelter spending OK'd

April 20, 2007

By Joel Davis of The Daily Times Staff
(original article)

The Blount County Commission on Thursday approved spending $350,000 out of the debt service fund balance to build the first phase of an animal shelter.

The commission approved the measured on a 17-3 vote.

Commissioners Gary Farmer, Brad Harrison and Scott Helton voted no.

"I was very pleased with the vote," Commission Vice Chairman Steve Samples said. "It sends a clear message that we understand the problem that is here in the county and that it is our responsibility to get the project started and get something done."

The Smoky Mountain Animal Care Foundation has proposed to repay and raise additional funds to complete a new county animal shelter.

SMACF President Chris Protzman said his group will do whatever it takes to make the project a success.

"We'll continue fund-raising," he said. "The next step is to establish an advisory board ... the board will be charged with oversight and design.

"This is a very strong indication of endorsement of our plan."

Samples said the SMACF is doing good work in the community.

"I'm very appreciative of ... the people who are working very hard to make sure this animal shelter gets up and running and hopefully doesn't cost the taxpayers a lot of money to do it."

The commission also voted to allow the shelter to be built on a 12-acre site located behind the Boys and Girls Club, 241 Currie Ave., Maryville.

Blount County has a short-term arrangement to send stray and unwanted animals to the Loudon County Animal Shelter.