Commissioners authorize sale of retired police dog Jack to another agency for at least $3,000

The Wallowa County Board of Commissioners on July 14 authorized the chair and the sheriff (or undersheriff with sheriff—s consent) to execute a bill of sale to any eligible government law-enforcement agency to sell one police canine, Jack, for an amount not less than $3,000. Commissioner Clayton moved the action; Commissioner Kimball seconded, and the motion passed 3-0.

Sheriff (presenter) told the board that after coordination with agencies and clarification from AdlerHorse and other potential recipients, the best option was a $3,000 transfer to the Pasco agency, which had been caring for the dog. The sheriff said a hold-harmless agreement was used to protect the county from liability and noted Pasco would not get a warranty because Jack is a used asset. "At least this way, we're recouping something," the sheriff said, adding that the K-9 had been in Pasco's custody and care to receive exercise and training.

Money from sale and donor intent: Commissioners discussed directing the $3,000 into a sheriff-specific line item so funds would be available for a future K-9 purchase. The sheriff proposed creating a line item in the sheriff's budget dedicated to K-9 replacement; the clerk explained that county budgeting rules typically require unspent year-end funds to revert and that earmarking would more practically occur through an explicit budget line in the next year—s budget. "We could create a line item for that $3,000 each year until we spend it," the sheriff said; the clerk cautioned that the timing and accounting rules mean the allocation would be managed through the budget process.

Decision vs. context: The board approved the sale authorization; the motion did not itself create a permanent restricted fund but commissioners and the sheriff agreed to pursue a budget line item for the proceeds to be used toward a future K-9 purchase.

Background: The sale followed prior discussions about alternative transfers and the county—s desire to recover value for a used asset originally purchased with foundation funds.

Ending: The motion passed with unanimous approval; staff will execute a bill of sale to an eligible government agency for not less than $3,000 and work with the auditor/clerk on placing proceeds in a budget line for K-9 replacement planning.