Moving Animal Control from Sheriff's dept. to Public Works

YERINGTON - Lyon County Commissioners will consider Thursday the removal of animal control from under the Sheriff Department's jurisdiction.

The change would move animal control to the public works department and possibly require the hiring of a new division manager.

"Animal control has become a big issue in some parts of the county. This a way to try and do something about it," Public Works Director Dan O'Brien said. "I don't have a problem with taking it into my department if the sheriff doesn't care. I wouldn't see anything too different, but I haven't really thought about it because we really don't know what is going to be done at this point."

Four animal control officers serve the 2,000-square-mile county.

Sheriff Sid Smith has said budget constraints and higher priorities have limited his ability to meet the county's growing animal control needs.

Other agenda items:

- A request from Carson City to end an agreement with Lyon County which names Carson City as administrator of the city's downpayment assistance program and that any remaining funds be returned to the Western Nevada HOME Consortium. Lyon County acts as lead agency for the multi-county affordable housing consortium.

- An 11 a.m. public hearing to consider ratification of the Lyon County Employee Association contract.

The Lyon County Commissioners meet in the Courthouse Annex, 31 S. Main St., Yerington, beginning at 9 a.m. For information, call 577-5037 (Dayton/Silver Springs) or 463-6531.

What: Lyon County Commission

When: 9 a.m. Thursday

Where: Courthouse Annex, 31 S. Main St., Yerington