Resident Questions Fayette Animal Shelter Food Budget at Commission Meeting

During public comment at the latest Fayette County Board of Commissioners meeting, Debbie Carroll, a 45-year county resident and volunteer, raised concerns about the budget allocation for the county animal shelter.

Carroll stated that after reviewing the budget, she found only $1,500 listed for food, which she calculated would equal about six cents per animal per day. She also mentioned hearing the number might instead be $4,500, which still would only allow for 16 cents per day. Carroll argued that neither figure was realistic for feeding animals, especially those requiring special diets.

She urged the commissioners to reconsider the allocation, emphasizing that Fayette is the third richest county in Georgia. While acknowledging the generosity of donations and volunteers, Carroll said, “you are the ones that should be coming to the rescue when you do the budget.”

In response, commissioners said they have not seen animals starved at the shelter during their time on the board and noted that food donations from the public are frequent. One commissioner mentioned that a local company was scheduled to deliver a box truck of food the next day, and that in the past the shelter has even had so much food donated that some was shared with advocates. Commissioners also pointed out that the shelter’s medical budget exceeds $100,000, which includes funding for special dietary needs when required.

The discussion ended without a formal motion, but commissioners indicated they would continue monitoring the shelter’s needs and rely on both the budget and community support to ensure animals are cared for.