County leaders discussed shifting animal control responsibilities away from the sheriff’s office and possibly hiring or contracting an animal control officer housed in planning and zoning.

County Administrator Cynthia (name provided in discussion) said the sheriff had expressed reluctance to include animal control or humane‑society costs in his budget. The administrator said the county may be well placed to hire or contract an animal control officer and proposed housing code enforcement and animal control together in planning and zoning if the county expands the half‑time code‑enforcement position to full time.

Supervisors asked about cost estimates and whether the county would continue funding the Adams County Humane Society. The administrator said the county intends to continue the $30,000 annual payment to the humane society in 2026 while also funding an animal control position if feasible. The packet showed varying monthly cost estimates for contracted animal control — $1,200 versus $2,500 per month — with the higher figure equating to about $30,000 a year; the administrator said the board should plan for that potential increase in ongoing costs.

No final decision was made; staff will continue to develop options, cost estimates and possible contracting models for north vs. south county coverage and return to the board.