Habersham County Animal Control Officer Wayne Higgins in his new office. (photos courtesy HHS)
Habersham County Animal Care and Control (HCACC) officers are getting some much needed relief in the form of new office space. They recently moved into their new digs on the hill above the animal shelter at the back of the Habersham County Fairgrounds. The county-owned building previously housed the North Georgia Soccer Association. In April, HCACC moved in after county maintenance crews completed a $28,000 renovation.
Donation funds renovation
The renovation project was paid for by a donation from the estate of Edward Taylor Murray. It included upgrades to the exterior and interior of the building, termite removal, and the installation of computers and phones.
“We are so grateful for the donation which was provided to us,” says HCACC Director Madi Hawkins. “It was a much needed change. When I started here in 2010, Animal Control had office space. After the merge in departments [Animal Control merged with the Animal Shelter], that space disappeared. It’s been a struggle since then,” she says.
The Habersham Humane Society and Fieldale Farms Corporation donated furnishings and file storage.
The ACO’s old office consisted of one room at the animal shelter that also serves as the shelter’s reception and adoption area. Hawkins says not having as many humans crammed into such a small space has been a “delight”.
“The ACO’s have a space that they can, without interruption, complete their ‘busy work’ and also have a more private area to speak with the people that they are dealing with,” she says.
Previously, ACO’s had to conduct official business in an open area where conversations could be easily overheard. “Many of the conversations had with ACO’s and witnesses, pet owners, and those who receive citations should be kept private,” says Hawkins. “It’s a more professional way to conduct investigations and just overall business.”
The ACO’s also now have adequate room to do their paperwork. “The documentation that goes into each case would probably surprise most folks,” Hawkins says.
In addition to office space, the building has a reception area, conference room, and break room.
Grateful
Hawkins and her staff are proud of their new work environment. They’re grateful to everyone who had a hand in creating it. “The County Maintenance Department made the actual repairs and renovations and they did an amazing job!” enthuses Hawkins. “The ladies of the Habersham Humane Society really made it a welcoming and professional environment.”
The Humane Society also extends its thanks to the community supporters and friends who donated and volunteered their time to the project. The list includes, Fieldale Farms, Cornerstone Veterinary Clinic, Clarkesville First United Methodist Church, Bill & Lois Calloway, Julie & Dennis Whitt, Glad & Marty Simmons and Claudia & Bud Jessup.
“We appreciate your kind support of our local animal control staff and HHS,” the group’s newsletter reads.
While the new office is a welcome change for HCACC staff, it does not change procedures for the general public. All animal drop offs, reclaims and adoptions are still done at the animal shelter located at 4231 Toccoa Hwy, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
