Gallagher: Stand-alone Animal Services department ‘the right move’

Butte-Silver Bow’s top official is making Animal Services a stand-alone department whose manager will oversee budgets, contracts and staff and answer directly to the county’s chief executive.

Animal Services has been part of the Community Enrichment Department for years but Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher says it provides important, distinct services and should be a separate entity.

Gallagher is eyeing other changes at Community Enrichment, too, following the recent retirement of longtime director Ed Randall. Gallagher says the department probably took on too many functions outside its core mission of combating community decay.

The Chelsea Bailey Butte-Silver Bow Animal Shelter is seen on July 28 in Butte. County Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher is making Animal Services a stand-alone department.

JOSEPH SCHELLER, The Montana Standard

It also has a Weed Control Division and absorbed parking oversight and enforcement a few years ago, and Gallagher says the timing is right to restructure and separate Animal Services.

“I think it’s the right move because the department is different than a lot of other things,” Gallagher said. “It’s very important to the community and people who really care for

View Source