Unicoi BMA backs animal shelter funding as opening nears

Town leaders approved funding for the Unicoi County Animal Shelter as officials outlined staffing costs, construction delays and plans to bring animals into the new facility this spring. The Unicoi Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a $7,000 request for the Unicoi County Animal Shelter during its regular meeting Monday, Dec. 15, providing short-term support as the shelter approaches the final stages of construction. Town of Unicoi Mayor Kevin McInturff confirmed the request was approved at the meeting. Chris Oetjen, Unicoi Animal Welfare Board chairwoman, said the funding was part of money previously set aside by the board while the shelter was under construction. "The BMA had set aside a total of $14,000 to possibly be given to the animal shelter when they were in operation," Oetjen said. "I sent a request to the mayor a few days ago, and I ask that $7,000 be released to the shelter because the shelter was nearing completion and we had been operating as best we could temporarily." She said the funds will be used primarily to cover salaries for shelter staff, including the director, an animal control officer and kennel attendants. "We have a number of expenses, and we have personnel expenses," Oetjen said. "We currently have a full-time director, a full-time animal control officer and typically one to two kennel attendants. So we certainly have a number of total expenses, and I think that the board had specified that it go towards salaries." Oetjen said construction on the new shelter is progressing, though several key components remain on a delayed timeline due to manufacturing. "It's kind of a complicated process, and it's something that occurs in steps," Oetjen said. "I know that the construction company is hoping to have completed everything possible before the middle of January, possibly even sooner." Some elements, including kennel doors and a large HVAC unit, are not expected to be installed until later in the spring. "The weather definitely makes a difference," Oetjen said. "The kennel doors to the inside dog kennels will not be manufactured and ready for installation until about the middle of March, to the best of my knowledge." She added that the HVAC unit will also take several months to arrive. "It's looking like possibly March," Oetjen said. Despite those delays, shelter officials plan to begin moving animals into the building in stages once construction is finished. "Once the construction is completed, we're going to start equipping the shelter and start moving a limited number of animals in there as everything allows," Oetjen said. "My hope is that before the first of May, we should be pretty much in full operation." In addition to construction costs, the shelter faces a significant funding gap to equip an on-site surgery area, which was added late in the design process. "The best estimate at this point is that it will cost probably between $50,000 and $70,000 to get the desired equipment," Oetjen said. "That was not budgeted for. We really don't have the money for that." She said shelter leaders are exploring fundraising and community support to cover those costs. "We are looking at some fundraising options, and we hope that various people in the community or foundations might come forth and support that effort," she said. The planned surgery area would allow shelter animals to be spayed and neutered on site and receive treatment for minor medical issues. "This is not going to be like a regular vet's office," Oetjen said. "This is going to be a program where shelter animals can be spayed and neutered on site rather than sending them off." Long-term, the shelter hopes to expand those services to the community. "What we hope to be able to have that happen down the road, and I'm saying that it probably is not realistic until the latter stages of 2026," Oetjen said. Oetjen said the shelter continues to rely on donations, grants and fundraisers to supplement government funding, noting the request was part of a regular allotment through an interlocal agreement. "It's the same source that we've depended on all throughout our existence," she said. "That is donations, occasional grants and fundraisers." She said both the county and city typically contribute about $50,000 each annually, though Unicoi has reduced its share due to population and service differences. "Their total contribution that they have set aside for us would be $14,000, unless they choose to increase that amount," Oetjen said. Additional fundraising is already in the works. Danielle Spots with the Unicoi County Animal Shelter said they plan to host their annual soup fundraiser in January. There is no date set yet, but Spots said the event will be a drive-through fundraiser offering soup, cornbread, biscuits and dessert, with options to order online or pick up in person. Formal details are expected to be announced next week. For more information and updates on the shelter, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/UnicoiCountyAnimalShelter/