Animal Shelter Timeline
Faulkner County’s Quorum Court has dealt directly with animal issues since 2005. Here’s an up-to-date timeline of actions taken so far (with details as far back as 2011).
In October 2023, JPs approved a Resolution to spend $1.5 million of unrestricted ARP funds to build a shelter, which will be “given to” a 501C organization to run under contract for the County.
For a few years, former JP Randy Higgins was former County Judge Jim Baker’s appointed Quorum Court representative on Baker’s now-expired Community Animal Shelter Development Committee together with members of the very vocal “animal advocate” community. In 2023, County Judge Allen Dodson hired Higgins as County Administrator.
As JP and Chair of the Courts & Public Safety Committee, Maree Coats (R, Dist. 2), a local animal rescuer who also served on the animal shelter committee before her election, worked in 2023 directly with Dodson and Higgins behind the scenes on a plan to remodel/build a shelter on the former Springhill flea market that Baker’s administration purchased in July, 2021.
October, 2023 – Expenses So Far Paid from Tax Fund
To fulfill promises that no money from the County’s General tax fund would be spent to remodel or operate the proposed animal shelter, JP Maree Coats (R, Dist. 2) informed JPs that bills incurred so far for any architectural work, etc. would come from the animal welfare tax fund and so was included in the September appropriations Ordinance.
October, 2023 – Resolution Approved to Spend $1.5 Nillion to Build the Shelter
At the first and only meeting of the entire Quorum Court to discuss the issue, JPs approved a Resolution distributed by County Judge Allen Dodson to spend $1.5 million of unrestricted ARP funds to build/remodel the Springhill flea market property purchased in 2021.
September, 2023 – Bids Received for “Conceptual” Floor Plans
Chair JP Maree Coats (R, Dist. 2) told the Courts & Public Safety Committee two bids for the remodel/build animal shelter project have been received: Hay Construction bid $1,217,121 and NBMC placed a bid of $1,166,000, making the total cost roughly $1.4 to 1.5 million (with a 20% “finishing” cost added). It’s estimated the project will take about 180 days to complete.
County Administrator Randy Higgins shared “conceptual” floor plans and drawings; he and County Judge Allen Dodson informed the Committee about funding plans for the remodel/build project, while JPs on the Committee made it clear they would not raise taxes to fund ongoing operational costs. The County plans to fund operating costs from the dedicated animal control tax, which is projected to hold about three years’ operations expenses at this time.
Coats reports that the earlier set of proposed plans (created by Shelter Planners of America?) would have cost at least $4 million and, knowing the County could not afford that scope, she spearheaded efforts to scale back that concept — which led to the current bids for a total cost of about $1.5 million.
FCR reported in March, 2023 that architect Rick Sowell’s March, 2023 plans cost from $2.8 to 3 million.
August, 2023 – Finalizing Bid Request
Chair JP Maree Coats (R, Dist. 2) told her Courts & Public Safety Committee that details are being finalized so bids be solicited to remodel/build at the Springhill property.
July, 2023 – More Details to Prepare for Bids
Courts & Public Safety Committee Chair JP Maree Coats (R, Dist. 2) briefly reported that she and County Administrator Randy Higgins had responded to an “entire list of questions, buried in detail .. so we can move forward on the construction drawings” for a proposed animal shelter on the property Faulkner County approved for purchase two years ago at Springhill.
June, 2023 – Judge Seeks “Clear Cost Estimate”
Chair JP Maree Coats (R, Dist. 2) told her Courts & Public Safety Committee that County Judge Alan Dodson had approved sending the plans back to the architect (Rik Sowell) for a “clear cost estimate” for construction, in preparation for bringing factual information to the full Quorum Court for appropriations approval.
March, 2023 – Architect Provides Schematic
Architect Rik Sowell provides latest revised schematic, as well as a revised construction schedule for a remodel/build project that would cost from $2.4 million to $2.8 million. It’s unclear if the Community Animal Shelter Development Project Committee is still meeting after the election of new County Judge Allen Dodson; however, JP Maree Coats (R, Dist. 2) continues to be directly involved in planning.
September, 2022 – Judge To Move Ahead with “Scaled Down Version” of “Small Shelter”
Maree Coats, who serves on the Community Animal Shelter Development Committee and was elected as District 2 JP beginning in 2023, reports on her Facebook page:
“The Animal Shelter Advisory Committee has worked tirelessly on plans with the architect and Shelter Planners of America for almost a year. We have an excellent plan. It fits our county demographics and needs based on research and computer models. It is functional and aesthetically pleasing. It is cost efficient and not over done. Yet, simply put, our committee had to reject it due to financial constraints. The Animal Fund alone does not have the money to build or operate that plan. We do not have financial support from the Faulkner County General Fund. American Rescue Plan money allocated through the Quorum Court doesn’t look to be a viable option either.
[Former Judge Jim Baker] “has recently made the decision to move forward with a very scaled down version that will hopefully begin phase 1 of a small shelter. Those plans are in the beginning stages and will hopefully fit into the long term plan from the Advisory Committee that will help serve the needs of Faulkner County.”
August, 2022 – Needs Assessment Complete; Staffing Numbers Floated
Higgins updated the Courts & Public Safety Committee at its August 9 meeting. Now that the needs assessment is complete, “the second step will be to develop a conceptual site plan and a building floor plan based on the study done by Shelter Planners of America, while the third and final step will be to develop the working drawing and specifications for the shelter.”
Staffing is estimated now at five full-time and six part-time employees for a shelter holding up to 40 dogs and 40 cats.
Three grants for funding have been submitted but none have been awarded, although the group has received two donations (total of $65,000).
With no finish date set, Higgins said he hopes to have the shelter completed in “less than a year.”
May, 2022 – Lions Club Gets Conceptual Design & Capacity, Staffing Details / “Will Existing Building Be Suitable?”
Higgins updated the Lions Club with conceptual design / capacity details and how the proposed shelter would be staffed (details that had not yet been shared with the public or the Quorum Court):
The (Community Animal Shelter Development) Committee recommends that the animal shelter be a one-story building with an exterior that avoids an “institutional look” with natural lighting being provided in all public areas of the shelter.
The recommendation is that the County will have a capacity of 40 dogs and 40 cats with a goal of having an average length of stay of 14 days for the dogs and 21 days for the cats.
The shelter plans to have three to four full-time employees, a director and a couple of animal control officers, as well as six part-time animal care employees.
Higgins reported to the Courts and Public Safety Committee that County Judge Jim Baker has approved a geotechnical soil report as well as a topographical survey, required items for the remodel/construction of a proposed shelter.
He added
…One of the questions was how married are we to the building that is out there now. It has some attributes that are, that are positive and some attributes that are negative so, you know, we certainly want … if we want the most efficient and effective with the money that we have …
If we, if we can use big parts of that building we absolutely want to. If we have to do other things, we will consider those as well… What we don’t want (is) to put a square peg in a round hold in things that won’t work…
March, 2022 – Meeting with Animal Shelter Planners of America, Possible Grants “On Hold”
Higgins reported that the Community Animal Shelter Development Committee had visited the Stone County Animal Shelter and met with officials there; he told the Courts & Public Safety Committee, “We’re at the stage where we’re developing plans.”
He said the Committee, “which meets almost weekly,” will meet on March 10-11 with Animal Shelter Planners of America, who will be consulting with architect Rik Sowell. After visiting the proposed shelter property and the Conway Animal Shelter a “data development meeting” is set with “the County Judge and his staff, the Sheriff and representatives from the Sheriff’s office, a couple members of the Community Animal Shelter Committee….”
Applications for the grant money that was promised when the property was purchased could only be made after the County took possession of the property in early February, Higgins said, adding that the Committee has “a list of the grant opportunities” that’s “on hold until such time that we do need those….”
January, 2022 – Flea Market Tenants are Moving Out
Higgins reported that the tenants in the flea market property are moving out so the County can take possession of the property in February, 2022.
December, 2021 – Re-Allocate $30,000 from Spay & Neuter Program for Shelter
During the 2022 budget process, Higgins moved to suspend the $70,000 spay and neuter program to re-allocate all the funds to the animal shelter project and the Budget & Finance Committee agreed. However, the Quorum Court voted to allocate $40,000 to continue funding the spay and neuter program throughout the first several months of 2022.
November 9, 2021 – Meeting with Architect, Judge, & Sheriff
Higgins said the Community Animal Shelter Development Committee has been meeting with Rick Sowell, the architect, as well as the County Judge and Sheriff about “priorities for the shelter.”
October 19, 2021 – Operating Committee
Higgins reported to the October Quorum Court that the Community Animal Shelter Development Committee had been meeting weekly starting on September 16 and had been “sharing” information with Judge Baker about the project.
July, 2021 – Quorum Court Approved $405,000 Property Purchase for Animal Shelter
After the July Budget Committee approved, JPs at the July 20 Quorum Court meeting approved Ordinance 21-24 that appropriates $405,811 from the Animal Welfare Control (dedicated voluntary tax) fund to purchase “Through the Years” flea market at Springhill for a future animal shelter, despite ongoing concerns about funding the operation once the shelter is built.
June, 2021 – Property Purchase Passes Through Committees
“Do it now” vs. “We need a plan for funding ongoing operations” was the bottom line at the Courts & Public Safety Committee meeting on June 8; however, the Committee unanimously passed the proposed purchase of the property on to the Budget & Finance Committee, “because no specific financial details about the purchase or ongoing operational funds have been settled.”
The Budget Committee approved Higgins’ motion to take the $400,000 purchase price from the Animal Control fund and sent the purchase on to the Quorum Court for approval, despite lingering concerns about the ongoing cost of operation.
June, 2021 – Higgins & Baker Pitch “Through the Years” Flea Market Property for Animal Shelter
JP Higgins and Judge Baker presented a “potential purchase opportunity” — the flea market property in Springhill next door to the Companions Clinic — to the special Courts & Public Safety Committee meeting on June 1, saying the building could be renovated to become the County animal shelter. The Committee took no action.
April, 2021 – Quorum Court Begins Receiving Quarterly Spay & Neuter Report
Higgins informed the Court that they would see quarterly reports on the spay and neuter program.
November, 2020 – Proposed Tax Reallocation Fails
The proposed tax reallocation to help fund animal control activities failed at the ballot box: 48.49% “Yes” to 51.51% “No.”
August 18, 2020 – JPs OK Proposed Tax Reallocation
JPs approved and sent to the voters a plan by JP Steve Goode (R, Dist. 3) to not raise taxes but instead change the current half-cent 50/50 Roads-Criminal Justice tax to give
♦ 60% for Criminal Justice needs;
♦ 2.5% for Animal Control “operational and personnel expenses;”
♦ 2.5% for the 911 Program to offset regular, costly upgrades; and
♦ 35% for the Roads Department.
JPs also updated existing animal control ordinances to increase fines and tighten language about dangerous animals in the County, creating new Ordinance 20-20
May 29, 2020 – Young Man Killed by Stray Dogs
A 9-year-old was killed by stray dogs in the Mt. Vernon area; Faulkner County incurred $2,500 in vet bills for quarantining and euthanizing the animals.
February 20, 2020 – Look at Greenbrier Property for Shelter
The Committee continued its discussion on the Greenbrier property but took no formal action. “Higgins confirmed with County Attorney Phil Murphy that any shelter operation would come about through a contract with the County Judge. Murphy added that the Judge had asked that the Quorum Court be fully involved in those negotiations.”
January 15, 2020 – Look at Greenbrier Property for Shelter
The Courts & Public Safety Committee heard a proposal to convert an unused boarding kennel in Greenbrier into a “no kill” holding shelter to be managed “by a (nonprofit) group that will contract with the County,” and use “paid staff to pick up animals,” along with volunteers and rescue groups.
Financial details are murky; however, the group proposes to use 10% ($150,000 per year) of the accumulated Animal Control reserve fund for 10 years to help pay for general operations as well as spay and neuter programs at the shelter.
November 18, 2019 – 2020 Spay & Neuter Program Gets $50,000
At the beginning of the 2020 budget process, the Budget & Finance Committee OKs Animal Control funds of $50,000 for the 2020 spay and neuter program.
September 10, 2019 – Spay & Neuter Program Ordinance
Although Kendrick’s proposed ordinance creating a $25,000 spay and neuter grant program drew criticism from Boyer and Higgins, several representatives of animal rescue groups support the measure, which passed the Courts & Public Safety Committee.
May 12, 2019 – Options for Funding Animal Control
Goode brought forward two possible options for funding the Sheriff’s Department and animal control operations to the Courts & Public Safety Committee:
♦ move .5 mills from the current Road Fund millage (at 2.8 mills now) to the General Fund, or
♦ set a special election to re-allocate the existing County sales tax, currently set at .9 mills, also with a sunset provision of five to seven years.
JPs approved a reallocation proposal for the November 2020 ballot, see August 18, 2020, above.
April 22, 2019 – Open Bids for Spay & Neuter Program
County Judge Jim Baker put out the pilot spay and neuter program for bids via a notice in the local newspaper and by contacting county veterinarians; the bid opening is April 22, 2019.
The contract was awarded to Companions Clinic in Springhill.
April 16, 2019 – Proposal for Animal Control Services from Paws & Whiskers
The April 16, 2019 Courts & Public Safety meeting featured Brian Williams from Mayflower’s Paws & Whiskers Society, who discussed the idea of a contract for animal control services. JPs voted to “send the information on” to the full Quorum Court for further consideration.
The issue never appeared on a Quorum Court agenda.
March 12, 2019 – Committees Work on Competing Ordinances for “Services” and a Spay and Neuter Program
Three committees met, with most of the discussions surrounding a pilot spay and neuter program.
The Courts & Public Safety Committee discussed the agreed-upon, existing ordinance Kendrick proposed at the February 26 Quorum Court/Animal Control meeting.
But the Budget & Finance Committee worked on a competing ordinance submitted March 12 by chairman Pickett that would give $23,500 directly to the Friends of the Faulkner County Animal Shelter — a change in direction that caught several JPs off-guard and resulted in a 3-2 vote to table Pickett’s proposal indefinitely.
February 26, 2019 – Special “Animal Welfare” Quorum Court Meeting
JPs vote to send 3 proposed Ordinances back to committee:
♦ JP Jerry Boyer (R, Dist. 12) draft ordinance creating a Faulkner County Animal Control Department Administrator
His plan creates a new County position and outlines a job description for the Administrator of a new Faulkner County Animal Control Department, who in turn would develop a plan to create a County animal shelter
♦ JP John Pickett (D, Dist. 11) draft ordinance creating a Faulkner County Animal Control Administrative Board
The Board would include five Faulkner County registered voters would would “determine the need for potentially developing a plan for obtaining a County Animal Shelter” by coordinating with Faulkner County cities and towns.
♦ JP Kris Kendrick (R, Dist. 9) draft ordinance outlining a Pilot Spay & Neuter Program, which would spend $50,000 of the voluntary animal control tax to “help establish a free or low cost spay and neuter program” in the County.
Kendrick’s spay and neuter program was implemented. There was no further action on the other two ordinances.
December 18, 2018 – Provisions in County Budget to Reimburse Funds to Animal Shelter Fund
Quorum Court moved to re-allocate approximately $500,000 that was previously used to buy a building for the shelter that was later rented by the sheriff’s office.
The purchase price and the rent for the time to date that the Sheriff’s Office utilized the building was appropriated back to the Animal Shelter Fund. This fulfilled the commitment from Resolution 18-05.
December 18, 2018 – Proposed Ordinance 18-32
The proposal requested a 0.25-mill levy and was expected to bring in about $350,000 annually to fund operations costs of a county shelter.
This proposed ordinance failed to pass.
October 18, 2018 – Resolution 18-05 (attached)
Resolution passed by the Quorum Court which committed the county to return $500,000 to the Animal Welfare and Control fund that was appropriated in Ordinance 17-34.
The Animal Welfare and Control fund would still receive rent money until such time that the original amount is returned to the fund.
June 19, 2018 – Proposed Ordinance 18-11
Proposed Ordinance 18-11 (Animal Shelter Appropriation) would have set aside $400,000 annually from the voluntary animal control tax “for the construction cost of an animal control facility” — and, after construction, $400,000/year would be set aside for “annual operating cost.”
This proposed ordinance failed to pass.
November 14, 2017 – Ordinance 17-34 (attached)
Ordinance was passed to appropriate $500,000 from the Animal Welfare and Control fund for the purpose of purchasing 1.1 acres and associated buildings on South German Lane for future conversion as an animal shelter.
The County kept the building/property — which was never developed as an animal shelter — and on October 18, 2018 the $500,000 was returned via ordinance to the Animal Welfare and Control fund. (See October 18, 2018, above.)
November 7, 2017 – Courts & Public Safety Committee
Committee Chair Randy Higgins brings proposal from County Judge Jim Baker to the committee to discuss purchasing property with buildings on South German Lane next to Faulkner County Justice Building for the purpose of converting into a county animal shelter.
Judge Baker indicated the property appraises for $650,000 and he believes the county can purchase the property for $500,000. He said purchasing this property would be a big step forward with the animal shelter program and he would approach Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry to discuss partnering with the county, and he also indicated we still did not have provisions to fund operating costs for an animal shelter and working out all the details could take two or three years.
In the meantime, he would consider renting out the building and all proceeds from the rent would go to the Animal Welfare & Control fund.
It was discussed that potential rent money would be beneficial for the fund because it would be more than the $500,000 would make on interest from the bank.
Judge Baker also noted that if it was determined that this site was not cost-effective to convert into an animal shelter, the county would take ownership of the site and return the funds used to purchase the property back to the Animal Welfare & Control fund.
(Note: This discussion was held in a public committee meeting before the ordinance was passed.)
October 31, 2017 – Tour of Vacant Building on South German Lane
County Judge Jim Baker lead a walk thru of the vacant building on the corner of South German Lane and Nabholz Ave. next door to the Faulkner County Justice Building.
Judge Baker indicated this could be a potential site for a county animal shelter. Attendees were County Administrator Tom Anderson, Justice Randy Higgins, and Donna Clawson, chair of the Faulkner County Animal Shelter Advisory Board.
July 13, 2017 – Joint City / County Meeting to Discuss Animal Shelter
Meeting held at Conway City Hall to discuss possibility of City of Conway and Faulkner County collaborating on a joint animal shelter.
Attendees from Faulkner County were County Judge Jim Baker, County Administrator Tom Anderson, County Civil Attorney David Hogue, JP Randy Higgins.
Attendees from City of Conway were Mayor Bart Castleberry, Chief of Staff Jack Bell, City Attorney Chuck Clawson, and Purchasing Manager Jamie Brice.
October, 2016 – The Animal Shelter Advisory Board, together with County Judge Jim Baker, unveils signage for the “future site of the Faulkner County Animal Shelter” near 5 acres at the Justice Building on South German Lane in Conway.
September 21, 2016 – Ordinance 16-29 (attached)
Ordinance to appropriate $30,000 from the Animal Control and Welfare Fund to allow the county judge to conduct one or more studies on the feasibility and location of a county animal shelter.
April 4, 2016 – Meeting with City Officials on Animal Welfare Efforts in Faulkner County
Chair of Courts & Public Safety Committee Randy Higgins facilitated a round table discussion with city officials about animal welfare.
Attendees included Greenbrier Mayor Sammy Hartwick, Wooster Mayor Terry Robinson, Guy Mayor Sam Higdon, Mayflower Mayor Randy Holland, Mayflower Police Chief Robert Alcon, Conway Chief of Staff Jack Bell, Conway Police Chief Jody Spradlin, Conway Animal Welfare Director Shona Osborne, Faulkner County Administrator Tom Anderson.
February 9, 2016 – Courts & Public Safety Committee Meeting
The Faulkner County Animal Shelter Advisory Board provided a written charter and list of members to the Courts & Public Safety Committee.
January 12, 2016 – Courts & Public Safety Committee Meeting
Courts & Public Safety Committee sponsored a public forum to discuss animal welfare in Faulkner County. Approximately 40 people from the animal interest community attended as well as Greenbrier Mayor Sammy Hartwick and Wooster Mayor Terry Robinson.
It was first discussed at this meeting about forming a “citizens advisory committee” for the animal shelter to work with the Courts & Public Safety Committee.
August 19, 2015 – Working Committee to Address Faulkner County Animal Shelter
Faulkner County Judge Jim Baker called a meeting of the ad hoc working group that had been holding discussions with former County Judge Allen Dodson regarding animal control in Faulkner County.
Meeting included Judge Jim Baker, Chair of Courts & Public Safety Committee Randy Higgins, Conway Chief of Staff Jack Bell, Conway Police Chief A.J. Gary, Conway Animal Welfare Unit Director Shona Osbourne, County Administrator Tom Anderson, County Attorney David Hogue, Faye Conville from county judge’s office.
On later dates, several members from this group toured existing animal control facilities in Pulaski County, Washington County, Garland County, and Sabastian County.
March 17, 2015 – Proposed Resolution 15-4 – Call for Special Election
A resolution presented to the Quorum Court by JP Steve Goode to hold a special election so the voters could consider a reallocation of the ½ cent sales tax that is currently split 50/50 between County Roads and Criminal Justice.
The proposed reallocation would have allowed additional funding for Criminal Justice and provisions for funding operational expenses for a future animal shelter.
Resolution 15-4 failed to pass.
November 12, 2014 – Faulkner County Animal Welfare Disaster Plan
Faulkner County Judge Allen Dodson signed this document on November 12, 2014, and the Faulkner County Animal Emergency Response Plan was formally added to the Faulkner County Emergency Response Plan.
This plan specifically deals with small animals (i.e., pets). There was already a provision in the county’s plan to deal with livestock.
June 9, 2014 – Faulkner County Animal Welfare Disaster Plan Committee
Pursuant to the recent devastating tornado in Faulkner County, County Judge Allen Dodson and Chair of Courts & Public Safety Committee Randy Higgins recognize there were no provisions in the county’s disaster plan to deal with animal welfare.
It was decided the Courts & Public Safety Committee of the Quorum Court could be a venue to look into the issue. The Courts & Public Safety Committee determined this needed to be a grassroots effort with significant input from the animal interest community.
Mrs. Donna Clawson expressed an interest in leading the grassroots effort and after talking to Judge Dodson, Sheriff Andy Shock, and Justice Higgins, it was decided to allow Mrs. Clawson to form and chair the Faulkner County Animal Welfare Disaster Plan Committee.
Justice Higgins was the liaison between the committee and the Quorum Court, and OEM Director Sheila McGhee provided support and was the liaison to the county judge.
June, 2014 – FEMA Courses on “Animals in Disasters”
Following the devastating tornado in southern Faulkner County in April, 2014, there was a great deal of concern expressed in the animal interest community about how small animal rescue operations were conducted pursuant to the disaster, specifically in Mayflower and Vilonia.
There were many people and organizations willing and able to volunteer to help but there was no organizational structure at the county level to coordinate the efforts.
Dr. Catherine Swift from UCA, reached out to Justice Randy Higgins and offered a couple of FEMA courses to help educate public officials regarding “Animals in Disasters”, and offered to facilitate the courses to any Quorum Court member and county official free of charge.
Members of the Courts & Public Safety Committee participated in the course opportunity.
IS-10A – Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness – 4.5 hours
IS-11A – Animals in Disasters: Community Planning – 4.5 hours
January 21, 2014 – Ordinance 14-02 (attached)
Amendment to the Faulkner County Animal Control Ordinance. The amendment was necessary after the Arkansas Health Department contacted us with concerns about “Section 6 – Rabies Vaccination Required”.
The new ordinance allowed owners to vaccinate their own pets against rabies, which would be in violation of the state Rabies Control Act, which requires it be done by a licensed veterinarian.
The amendment satisfied the Arkansas Health Department.
November 20, 2013 – Ordinance 13-22 (attached)
Faulkner County Animal Control Ordinance
June 28, 2013 – Working Committee on Faulkner County Animal Shelter
Faulkner County Judge Allen Dodson establish an ad hoc working group to hold discussions regarding animal control in Faulkner County. The development of the county animal control ordinance was ongoing at this time.
The group informally consisted of Dodson, Chair of Courts & Public Safety Committee Randy Higgins, Conway Police Chief A.J. Gary, Conway Animal Welfare Unit Director Shona Osbourne, County Attorney David Hogue, Faye Conville from county judge’s office, and Chief Deputy Matt Rice from the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office.
County Administrator Tom Anderson joined the meetings later after he was hired by Judge Dodson, and Conway Chief of Staff Jack Bell attended several meetings.
This working group met approximately a dozen times over the next year and a half to gather and share information.
During several of these meetings there were discussions about the pros & cons of a mutual aid agreement between Faulkner County and City of Conway to address the animal control issue in the county.
June 28, 2013 – Working Committee on Faulkner County Animal Shelter
Faulkner County Judge Allen Dodson establish an ad hoc working group to hold discussions regarding animal control in Faulkner County. The development of the county animal control ordinance was ongoing at this time.
The group informally consisted of Dodson, Chair of Courts & Public Safety Committee Randy Higgins, Conway Police Chief A.J. Gary, Conway Animal Welfare Unit Director Shona Osbourne, County Attorney David Hogue, Faye Conville from county judge’s office, and Chief Deputy Matt Rice from the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office.
County Administrator Tom Anderson joined the meetings later after he was hired by Judge Dodson, and Conway Chief of Staff Jack Bell attended several meetings.
This working group met approximately a dozen times over the next year and a half to gather and share information.
During several of these meetings there were discussions about the pros & cons of a mutual aid agreement between Faulkner County and City of Conway to address the animal control issue in the county.
October 18, 2011 – Resolution 11-08 (attached) Resolution which sequesters the Animal Shelter Voluntary Tax Fund to $1.5 million.
January, 2011 – JP Randy Higgins (R, Dist. 2) begins serving on the Quorum Court. County Judge Preston Scroggin asked Higgins to “get involved” with the animal control issue.
May 17, 2005 – Ordinance 05-11 (attached)
Ordinance which implements the Voluntary Tax
