Fisher County Sheriff Simon Wade updated county officials on Monday, regarding the progress with animal control in the wake of the community meeting the sheriff hosted last month, as well as sharing some information on the direction the potential program will move.
In his briefing to the county court, Sheriff Wade reminded officials how in October, the commissioners gave him the go-ahead to put together a community working group for the purpose of coming up with a solution to the county’s animal control issues.
“Since I’ve been here, I know there’s an animal control problem,” said Wade, reminding the court that he has wanted to help. “All these complaints come to the sheriff’s office, and so I’m actually trying to figure out a solution to this animal control problem that’s been going on for some time.”
When prompted by the court about how many calls the sheriff’s department received last month, he admitted that he did not know but said he would provide that information as well as other, historical animal-related call information in the future. Wade did, however, inform the court that the animal control meeting was well attended and expressed his appreciation to those who provided information and expertise on complex aspects of the issue, such as rabies quarantine protocols and regulations.
He also took advantage of the court’s ear to comment on how strange it was that former sheriff, Randy Ford, and Roby resident, Mendy Brown were also in attendance. Both Ford and Brown have been publicly critical of Wade in recent months, with Ford writing numerous letters to the editor and Brown speaking out against Wade in open forum shortly after the Monday meeting’s call to order.
“Let’s keep this to the report, please,” said Fisher County Judge Ken Holt, warning Wade to avoid straying off-topic. Apologizing, Wade continued with the update.
Wade said that there was a lot of information shared in the meeting, and one of the issues that needs to be addressed is the confusion about the city marshals and sheriff deputies. While his predecessor instituted a program for sheriff’s deputies to perform double duty as city marshals, it is not something Wade plans to continue, as he said the program was neither properly established nor was it, or would it be, effective.
Wade said that while the Roby and Rotan city councils are legislative branches, appointing out neither had a functioning executive or judicial branch. “But they want to complain about how it’s the sheriff’s responsibility to enforce city codes,” said Wade. “That’s an overreach of government.”
However, Wade said that does not prevent the cities and the county from reaching a solution through other forms of cooperation. Wade deferred to Fisher County Commissioner Micah Evans, who also attended the meeting along with Commissioner Gordon Pippin.
Evans informed the court that since last month’s community meeting, he and Pippin have been working with outside organizations that have agreed to lend their guidance and assistance as necessary. He said the goal will be to first meet with city mayors to engage in initial discussions.
If officials agree, then mayors will present a variety of propositions for the councils’ consideration. Commissioners will, in turn, present propositions for the commissioners court. Should those proposals pass with each entity, then a fourth entity would likely be included to provide a temporary to a more permanent solution for animal control.
“It requires getting passed at both cities, getting passed here, and getting passed in the city that was willing to help,” said Evans. “So, there’s four entities willing to go on this.”
Additionally, Evans said that even should the provisions to institute a countywide animal control program gain approval from each of the entities, he said the final decision should be left in the hands of Fisher County voters. “The silent majority needs to decide what to do with it,” said Evans.
Wade added that he understands how people are frustrated, and he admits that it takes a long time to find solutions. However, he assured the public that officials were making progress. “I think we’re going right down the exact path we need to, and it’s really important that the residents understand the process that has to take place to do this correctly.”