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~~ DON INGRAHAM member of the Animal Control Task Force, informed the public that the members of the task force were concerned about the economic impact of the licensing fee on older people and that the original ordinance did contain a section for waiver of fees for financial hardship. The ordinance does allow the Animal Control Director to submit to the Board of Commissioners a policy which would allow for payment of fees over 'l'~ extended periods of time at reduced rates or waiver of fees. With reference to the overpopulation of animals, he stated that one way to ..? control this population. is to have a differential licensing program coupled with an effective animal control program. PAT SANFORD pointed out that the basic problem in Orange County is the overpopulation of animals. There has been a 70% increase in the number of animals at the shelter. In January, 1988 there was a 19; increase over January of 1987. She distributed statistical information to the Board members. She spoke in support of the ordinance and compared the cost of feeding and raising an animal with the amount of the fee. She noted a need for educating the public on the reason for these fees and the need for control of the animal population. MORLAND CLAYTOR noted she raises dogs primarily for purchase by older people. She gave several illustrations of the need for companionship which is given by animals. Health Director Dan Reimer reported that the Board of Health was asked by the Board of Commissioners to consider a lower fee for those owners who have more than three dogs or cats. The Health Board voted 6-3 to leave the fees unchanged. The two reasons for leaving the fee unchanged were (l) the number of cats and dogs is growing rapidly and it was felt that any change in the fees would undermine the effort of the ordinance in control of the animal population and (2) with a growth in animal `"` population, the spread of rabies also increases which in turn presents a danger to the welfare of the public. Commissioner Carey stated that as a member of the Board of Health, he asked the Health Board to consider charging the higher fee for the first five animals and a lower fee for the remaining animals. His proposal was based on the rationale for determining the number of animals that required a person to register as a kennel operator and the standards that applied to that category. Commissioner Carey made a motion that the higher fee be charged for the first five animals in a household that are unsterilized and a lower fee be charged for all unsterilized animals above five in the same household. Commissioner Hartwell seconded the proposal. A second proposal by Commissioner Carey which was referred to the County Manager for implementation next fiscal year was to consider a spay/neuter subsidy which would reimburse all or part of the cost for low income individuals who have their animals spayed or neutered. Commissioner Willhoit raised concern about the portion of the ordinance dealing with enforcement that will reduce the animal population and expressed his doubts that an increase in the fees charged placed the emphasis in the right place. He emphasized that reducing the number of dogs that will be registed will not meet the overall objective. While the tax should be progressive, tripleing the fee is one year may be excessive. Commissioner Hartwell spoke in support of lower licensing fees in an effort to reduce the economic impact on the rural residents of the County and supported a program which would offer incentives to have animals sterilized. A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit to change the licensing tax that is presently in