SCBC tables discussion on Humane Shelter supplemental funding

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners voted to table its discussion on providing the Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter $25,000 in supplemental funding. The decision was made on Tuesday, during the Commission’s regular scheduled meeting.

County Administrator Christian Hamilton explained that in July 2022 the County approved $25,000 of a $50,000 request from the Shelter and that it was time to revisit the topic for the remaining $25,000.

Humane Shelter Executive Director Jeff Roberts explained that the shelter had not received an increase in funding since before the COVID pandemic. Commissioner Chuck Wright asked Roberts how they spent the $25,000 that was approved last year.

“Where had you allocated the $25,000 that was approved by the previous board,” Wright asked?

“I sat that aside and took 1/6^th of it each month to cover our increase spay and neuter costs and our increased payroll costs,” Roberts said.

Commissioner Debbie Whitlock says the county only has $18,500 in contingency funds and cannot afford to increase the shelter’s budget.
“The city must have more than $18,500 in their contingencies, cause that’s what we have. We just don’t have it. That’s what we have in contingencies, $18,500, and you’re asking for $25,000. We don’t have it. We just can’t do it right now. I just can’t in good conscience vote to give something away that we don’t have,” she said.

Commissioner Chris Rickman said he agreed with Whitlock and that the county just doesn’t have the funds right now to help the Humane Shelter. He said he would entertain a motion to table the discussion until March.

“I agree with Debbie. My thoughts on it aren’t indicative or anything against the Humane Shelter. I appreciate what you do, and I understand the need for it for the county; but, I can’t write a check we can’t cash. We just don’t have the money. I’m open to future discussions on it,” Rickman said.

Roberts asked if they Commission would consider providing a portion of the requested $25,000 until they could meet in March.

However, Rickman did not include the partial request in his motion to table the decision. Whitlock seconded Rickman’s motion.

The motion was approved 3-2 with Wright and Vice-Chair Tara Simmons voting against the motion.

Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter Representative Angie Garland spoke during the Stephens County Board of Commissioner’s meeting. Garland says the Toccoa City Commission will take care of the shelter with or without the county’s support.

“I understand your situation. I hope you all understand our situation. Thank God for the city of Toccoa, they’re going to come through—they always do. If you decide you guys can’t do it, that’s fine, the city is our backup…the citizens are our backup. But if we can’t provide the services, guess who they’re going to call. They’re going to call Angie, and I’m going to tell them to call their Commissioners,” Garland said.

As WNEG News reported earlier this week, the Toccoa City Commission approved a motion to provide $25,000 in supplemental funding to the humane shelter contingent on what the Stephens County Board of Commissioners decided.

Despite Garland’s remarks, City Manager Billy Morse says the city will not issue any funds until after the county decides to do the same.

WNEG News will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as they are released.