By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Junction City Commissioners heard Tuesday night about the need to renovate the existing Junction City Animal Shelter or build a new one. Mayor Pat Landes responded to Animal Shelter Director Vanessa Gray on the topic. "Help is coming. Develop a plan and come back to us."
Commissioner Jeff Underhill felt that a new facility is needed. He urged development of a plan and a look at funding options.
Vanessa Gray informed the governing body that the current shelter was built in the 1970s. Some projects were done but some major projects are needed ranging the cat doors to the lobby. She noted workers have to constantly move space around to make room in the shelter and dogs have had to live in crates, doors are rusting, locks freezing and there have been water leaks.
There is not any office privacy for meetings or interviews. The parking lot is small so staff have to park along a nearby roadway. The washer and dryer are located far apart and there is poor lighting in the dog room.
Gray said the options could include renovating the existing building or build a new one. "No matter what something needs to be done." Recent numbers included 45 dogs in a place that holds 22, and for dogs the shelter was at 214% capacity two weeks ago.