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Proposed Ordinance Amending Hernando County Code No. 6-43 to Authorize Board of County Commissioners to Enter Into Contracts With Third-Parties to Provide Animal Sheltering Services
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Hernando County’s provision of animal-related services consists of two primary components, shelter operations and enforcement. Currently, the Hernando County Sheriff provides enforcement services (e.g., enforcing the Hernando County Code Ch. 6 and Florida’s animal care statutes, investigating cruelty complaints, dangerous dog investigations, etc.), while the Board of County Commissioners operates the Hernando County Animal Shelter as mandated by Hernando County Code § 6-24(a) (“The county shall operate and maintain an animal shelter for the purpose of receiving and housing impounded animals.”).
The Board of County Commissioners recently directed its staff to negotiate an interlocal agreement with the Hernando County Sheriff, pursuant to which the Sheriff will operate the Animal Shelter. The attached proposed ordinance amends Hernando County § 6-24(a) to authorize the Board of County Commissioners to enter into such an agreement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The financial impact will be associated with transferring the budget items to the operator, upon approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to enact the proposed ordinance pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 125.01.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board take public comment on this proposed ordinance and consider its adoption. If approved, the Board should authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached ordinance.