Rick Patrick rick@greenepublishing.com
During the regular meeting of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, May 25, the commissioners approved funding for the Madison County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) to take over the animal control duties for Madison County. The commissioners approved funding from the reserve funds of the Small County Surtax. A total of $400,000 will be used to fund animal control with the MCSO, $100,000 will be used to cover the salary of one full-time deputy to serve as an animal investigator, plus three non-lawenforcement personnel. In addition, additional kennels will be constructed to handle the high number of dogs being put under the care of animal control.
The MCSO will officially take over, effective Friday, July 1. “There is much to be done to prepare for this transition and to achieve my operational expectations,” said MCSO Sheriff David Harper in a statement released after the meeting. “I ask for the community's continued support and patience as we move forward in a positive and beneficial direction. I also remind the community that this is a new endeavor for our agency. I would further like to publicly recognize and thank our Board of County Commissioners, our Clerk of Court, our County Manager, current Animal Control staff, as well as my staff, who have all been instrumental in making this possible. A huge 'thank you' goes to our community, especially those who have been actively involved in advocating for the animals. I have a clear vision and high standards for animal services for our county.”
The three municipalities will also receive funds from the disbursement of funds from the Small County Surtax reserve funds. The Town of Greenville will receive approximately $18,000. The Town of Lee is set to receive approximately $8,000 and the City of Madison will receive approximately $70,000.
There was discussion regarding a possible RV resort, to be located near the Quail Hollow neighborhood. The site plan had previously been approved by the Planning and Zoning Board. The proposed RV park would have spaces for 92 RVs, plus office space and a bathhouse. There were concerns raised by some nearby residents. These concerns ranged from fears of human trafficking to concerns over “riff raff” at the RV park. A representative of the park's operators said the park would be designed to accommodate primarily short-term travelers from the interstate. Commissioner Brian Williams spoke in opposition to the park. “I don't feel [the] RV park is a good idea,” said Commissioner Williams. “It's just too close to a neighborhood.” The site plan was approved by the commissioners on a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Williams and Alfred Martin casting the dissenting votes.
There was a discussion regarding applicants to be appointed to the Tourist Development Council (TDC) for the county. Concern was raised over some names because the statute requires that members be registered voters in Madison County. It was said that some names on the list were voters from other counties. The matter was tabled until a later date.
There was discussion regarding the fate of the Fire Board and fire protection services for Madison County. Questions were raised about the level of desire for representatives from the various volunteer fire departments to come together for meetings on a regular basis. It was decided to gather information on the level of interest in continuing to have an organized fire board or to simply have individual departments bring requests and concerns to the County Fire Chief [Allen Clayton]. The commissioners will then have a workshop meeting to consider a course of action.