Jones Co. Animal Control Seeks SPLOST Funding

GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It’s another cold day in Middle Georgia, and animals at the Jones County Animal Shelter are a little cramped trying to stay warm.

But a small sales tax could give these animals a new home in the coming years.

The dogs were scattered about the small shelter as I walked around.

Clearly, they could use a place to stay on days when the weather makes their normal outdoor kennels unusable.

An extra penny added to each purchase made at retail stores could be their answer.

“Especially on days like today when it’s extremely cold, we brought all of our animals inside,” said Jennifer Giddens, with Jones County Animal Control.

That’s what everyone who owns a pet does–if it’s cold, bring them inside.

But for the Jones Co. Animal Shelter, it’s a little cramped for the more than 15 dogs workers are caring for.

“We have them packed in-house, in crates, you know, because it’s definitely too cold outside for them and we just don’t have enough adequate room for what we’re bringing in,” said Jennifer Giddens.

Jennifer Giddens is the manager at the shelter.

She, along with many supporters went before the Jones Co. Commissioners recently and asked to be on the ballot to receive money from a SPLOST–or a special purpose local option sales tax.

The current penny tax expires soon, and in May, residents of Jones Co. will be able to vote to continue to it–a tax that collects millions of dollars each year.

“There’s a need for a bigger facility and hopefully with the SPLOST, if the voters pass it, then we’ll slowly see our dream come true,” said Giddens.

County Administrator Michael Underwood says SPLOST funds have been low recently. That may impact which projects will go on the list for the next penny tax.

“Every need that is brought before the board of commissioners is considered to be an important need. And there are those who are interested in animal control–as we all are.”

And as he detailed to 41NBC all the different needs Jones County has, it all came down to one thing.

“And money is the biggest problem to why you don’t go forward. It’s a difficult process to decide which one is most important,” said Underwood.

Something that the board hopes to decide very soon.

The deadline for commissioners to decide what projects will receive funding is March 4th.

The penny tax will be on the ballot in May.

While they wait to see if more money will come in, Giddens said the shelter is always looking for extra blankets to keep the dogs warm.

If you have any, drop them by Animal Control on Eatonton Highway in Gray.