COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners has awarded contracts to repair and reopen on an interim basis the county’s animal control shelter building that was damaged by fire this spring. The county commission took the action at its regular meeting yesterday with the main bid going to Gordon Thomas Construction of Quincy for $35,000.
The cost of the 3 contracts totaled $41,500 for the project that will be most welcome by the Branch County Humane Society, which has carried the largest share of the burden for taking in stray dogs since the May 28, 2015 blaze at the shelter south of Quincy. A temporary animal control impound was also set up at the Branch County jail.
The county commission is moving ahead only on an interim basis because there could be a totally new animal control shelter facility depending on what the future holds for the Branch County Jail. Commissioners are leaning toward placing a millage question on the August primary ballot next year to fund a new jail and depending on the outcome of that situation, a permanent shelter could be located on the property of the Sheriff’s Department and possible new county correctional facility.
Also at yesterday’s County Board meeting, Commissioners approved, without discussion, a 1.8% salary increase for the county’s elected officials in 2016. The pay hike passed 4-1 with a no vote from Second District Commissioner Dale Swift of Bronson.
