Mike Stephenson

THOMASVILLE — A new animal control agreement is expected to improve the working relationship between Thomas County government and the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society, according to a county official.

Mike Stephenson, county manager, made the observation at a Tuesday meeting of Thomas County commissioners.

Commissioners approved the new agreement after reviewing the document at a Monday commission committee meeting.

Pat Smith, Thomas County animal control director since June 2010, left the position recently to assume duties of another county government position.

Smith was employed by county government and worked from the Humane Society animal shelter.

In the new agreement, the animal control director will be selected by the Humane Society, will take directions from the Humane Society and will work from the animal shelter.

County government will provide up to $40,000 annually for the animal control director’s salary and benefits. County government also will provide three trucks to the Humane Society for a lease price of $1 annually.

Fuel, maintenance, insurance and other operating expenses of the vehicles will be paid for by the county. The Humane Society will be responsible for maintaining liability coverage on the vehicles.

For a number of years, county government has contracted with the Humane Society for countywide humane animal control.

“This agreement will improve what is already a good working relationship with the Humane Society,” Stephenson said after the Tuesday commission meeting. “I encourage them to continue the good work started by (Pat) Smith in promoting the safety of our citizens by controlling vicious and dangerous animals.”

During the meeting, Stephenson said he thinks the new animal control contract will be a “big improvement” in the working relationship between county government and the Humane Society.

Ed Williams, Humane Society executive director, said the Humane Society is pleased with the commission’s decision to amend the animal control contract to allow the Humane Society to hire the individual who will supervise the animal control division.

Commissioner Mark NeSmith also serves on the Humane Society board.

“I would like to add that we really appreciate (Mark) NeSmith’s involvement both as our commission liaison, by sitting on both boards, and for the role that he played in affecting this decision,” Williams said after the commission meeting.

Addressing Williams during the commission meeting, Stephenson told the Humane Society executive director a big priority is protection of citizens.

“We want to remember the other mission of the Humane Society is protection of our citizens,” the county manager told Williams.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820.