NEWTON COUNTY, GA - Newton County is in the process of improving its Animal Control Facility thanks to more than $1 million in Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax (SPLOST) Funds.
A project manager for the new shelter was hired by the Board of Commissioners (BOC) in June and proposals from prospective contractors to design and build the facility are due on July 31. At that time a contractor will be selected within 30 days and construction will begin shortly after.
The improvement of the shelter will be paid for with $1,199,488 designated to Animal Control Facility and Equipment in the 2017 SPLOST. Being identified as a priority project for Newton County, the shelter has had its funding bonded in order to begin construction prior to the end of the SPLOST collections in 2023.
“The Board of Commissioners and I realize how important an improvement to our Animal Control Facility is and are dedicated to move forward with this project,” said County Manager Lloyd Kerr. “As one of the 2017 SPLOST projects deemed vital enough to have been bonded, we are moving as quickly on this project as possible. We are presently seeking a design/build firm, and anticipate being under contract by mid-September.”
The new construction will be one of several highlights to a revamped Animal Control Department in the last year and a half.
On Feb. 19, 2018, Cindy Wiemann was hired to be Newton County’s second ever Animal Control Director. Wiemann serves as President of the Georgia Animal Control Association, a Board member of the National Animal Care and Control Association and Georgia Pet Foundation. She was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Animal Care and Control Association in March.
Since Wiemann’s hire, Newton County Animal Control has adopted a new Animal Control Ordinance, implemented new software and has reduced the number of animals euthanized by 37 percent. Earlier this year Planned Pethood partnered with Newton County to utilize a $5,000 grant to sterilize animals at the shelter and has just received another $48,000. Newton County Animal Control is also partnering with PetSense to promote adoption of cats and kittens.
“We have made tremendous strides at the animal shelter and even more good things are in store.” Wiemann said. “I’m excited to have an improved facility that all residents of Newton County can be proud of and am thankful that this project is moving forward soon.”
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