JETS to allow service animals on-board

Board of Supervisors
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     While more research is needed on the matter, JETS Director Jamie Ginter asked the board to approve a policy allow service animals only on JETS vehicles.

     During the May 26 Jones County Board of Supervisor meeting, Ginter pointed out the fact that the county nor JETS had never had a policy on the issue before. Ginter looked into a policy in Linn County, which only allows service animals, not emotional support animals.

     Under the Jones County policy, a owner would have to take charge of the animal, which has to remain on the owner’s lap at all times, not taking up a seat.

     Ginter had County Attorney Kristofer Lyons review the policy, and he did not object.

     Supervisor Jon Zirkelbach asked whether Ginter had experienced a problem until now. She said one rider wanted to use JETS to take their pet to the veterinarian and back home, which is not allowed nor addressed in a policy.

     “It doesn’t qualify as a service animal,” said Ginter.

     The board, though, had a concern with someone who is allergic to pets getting on a JETS bus with an animal or after the animal was taken off.

     “Who’s liable?” asked Supervisor Wayne Manternach.

     Ginter said they might have to take the bus out of service to sanitize the inside before it’s put back in use. In this case, Ginter said she would need to do more research.

In other county business:

     The board held a public hearing and approved an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2020 county budget.

     The amendment includes the addition of $15,000 to the county auditor’s budget related to the increase in absentee voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. County Auditor Janine Sulzner said, as of May 26, her office has issued over 3,200 absentee ballots compared to the previous high of only 400. This increase in ballots has also meant an increase in postage, temporary help, and staff time.

     • The board approved amendments to the DCAT and CPPC contracts with DHS.

     • Sheriff Greg Graver presented the board with an agreement between the Sheriff’s Office and Animal Welfare Friends Shelter in Monticello, AWF. The contract is related to the county picking up stray dogs, which come to AWF for eventual adoption.

     The county previously approved the stray dog fee, which is $35 per dog or $70 if picked up after hours.

     “We never had an official contract between the two parties,” noted Graver. “Now we all know the expectations.”

     Lyons reviewed the contract as well, with no changes. AWF also signed off on the agreement.

     Under the contact, the Sheriff’s Office is responsible for picking up stray dogs within the rural areas of the county only, not within incorporated towns. Once the dogs are taken to AWF, the shelter resumes responsibility.

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