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KENANSVILLE — There was a full house on Monday night at the Board of County Commissioners meeting.
Warsaw Mayor A.J. Connors appeared in front of the board to discuss concerns about Warsaw adopting the county’s animal control ordinance as this would involve taking in large animals.
“The county has expressed that we could come together on some terms of animal control, but the town would have to accept hoofed animals and others in the city limits as well,” said Connors, explaining they do not have the manpower to handle that.
“Our citizens are asking that the county revisit this issue and consider letting the town stay in the fashion that they’re in, which is just without the large animals, and that the county would only come in and pick up dogs and cats or animals that may become vicious, such as animals that may have rabies.”
Connors added that Warsaw residents are paying the same taxes outside the county, but not getting the service. He also explained that it would cost more if they had to deal with large animals left behind.
Teachey Mayor Bobby Jones was next to address the board.
“We also have this issue with animals and animal control and obviously with Teachey being pretty small, we have limited capacity to handle those issues,” said Jones. “We don’t have the capacity to serve these animals and to have our own animal control officers, but also on the other end of the spectrum, we can’t have horses and cows in half acre and quarter-acre lots. Number one, that could be quite a nuisance in the town. Number two, I doubt it’s very humane to have a herd of cows in a quarter-acre lot. And so that’s what we would be having if we adopted the county’s ordinance … It’s not just my municipality. It’s not just Mayor Connors’ municipality. There are multiple ones and some of them aren’t represented here. I’ve had conversations with multiple mayors and town managers that this has been an ongoing issue.”
Jones added that he was looking forward to working with the county to find a solution.
“While I don’t think it’s fair to add any tax or any fee to someone who lives in Teachey or someone who lives in Warsaw, just to get the extra animal service that the same resident in the county is getting. I do understand that money moves things. And I do understand that in order to create a solution, that may be a possibility,” said Jones. “I would most appreciate your time and efforts and energy and working with us as municipalities for that. Whether it’s developing an amendment to the current ordinance municipality specific, or it’s us adopting that or it’s a fee for service type of situation. I’m all ears.”
In other business:
- The board adopted a resolution against bullying presented by Rev. Michael C. McDougald and Rev. James H. Faison III, both with Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association.
- Chris Vernon and Tammy Kennedy, both with Duplin County Communications presented Vicki Bostic with a retirement plaque in appreciation for her commitment and dedication during her 17 years of service to Duplin County.
- Approved the next Board of County Commissioners meeting to be on Sept. 16.
