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This item was deleted from the agenda. G. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA 1. RECONSIDERATION OF ANIMAL LICENSING FEES The citizens that spoke and their comments are listed below: WILLARD WARD referred to a letter from Geoff Gledhill dated January 6 which indicated that certain revisions to the Animal Ordinance would be the topic fora public hearing to be held on January 19. Commissioner Carey stated that two of the three items that were recommended by the Board of Health were adopted. These two items dealt with changing the size limits on kennels from 16 to 20 and changing the name of kennels. These two items were approved and the third item which dealt with the licensing fee schedule was referred back to the Board. .A TED LATTA stated he had difficulty in getting a copy of the ordinance and requested that the ordinance be returned to the task force and that another public hearing be held on the ordinance. He feels the ordinance is not properly adapted to the County. Commissioner Marshall stated that copies of the Animal Ordinance are now available at the Health Department and have always been available in the County Commissioners office. She assured Mr. Latta that all information pertaining to this topic is public and open for public review. DAVID DAVIS spoke in opposition of a 200 increase in dog fees. He feels the Commissioners did not listen to those who spoke from rural Orange County and the increase in fees is to offset a $750,000 deficit in the County budget. He stated he would not pay the fees. VERN MILLER stated he disliked having to bear the burden of this tax. He noted that at the public hearings the majority of people spoke against the changes in the animal ordinance but the Commissioners did not listen. .,.. In response Chair Marshall pointed out that changes were made to the ordinance as a result of those who spoke at the public hearing and who were primarily from rural Orange County including the hunters. REVEREND BURRIE PINNIX spoke for the older population and the fact that those on a fixed income would have a hard time paying the fees that are proposed for dogs and cats. He stated that more animals would be abandoned and left to die or left for the farmers to take care of. BEN LLOYD stated that the people of Orange County were not aware of what was being proposed in the new Animal Control Ordinance and that ample opportunity had not been given for input from the citizenry. He asked the procedure for bringing this ordinance back to the Board and Chair Marshall outlined the procedures for an ordinance of this type. She stated that, although the fees have been adopted, the Board is considering .reducing those fees to lessen the economic impact on the citizens of Orange County. MYRA CRAWFORD speaking for a group of citizens from Caldwell, emphasized that there is a need for animal control. She suggested a fee schedule of $5.00 for unsterilized dogs, $3.00 for sterilized dogs, $4.00 for unsterilized cats and $2.00 for sterilized cats. She noted that with lower fees more people will list their animals and make an effort to have their animals neuter or spayed. She suggested that a credit be given to those people who have already paid their fees and that a ceiling be put on how high the fee may go. She asked that consideration be given to lowering the fees and pledged, in return, support for what the ordinance is trying to achieve.