SUBJECT
title
Adopt Resolution appointing Code Enforcement Special Magistrates and Appellate Code Enforcement Special Magistrates as Animal Control and Animal Services Hearing Officers.
body
DESCRIPTION
Polk County adopted Polk County Ordinance 18-068, Polk County Animal Control and Animal Services Ordinance (“Animal Control Ordinance”) which provides, inter alia, the Board of County Commissioners appoint a hearing officer by resolution to serve for a term of one year. The hearing officer presides over dangerous dog hearings. The Animal Control Ordinance requires the hearing officer to be an attorney and/or judge who is a member in good standing with the Florida Bar and a resident of Polk County, Florida, which the Code Enforcement Special Magistrates and Appellate Code Enforcement Special Magistrates meet these requirements. Appointing separate hearing officers to preside over dangerous dog hearings creates unnecessary duplication and increase of costs to the County.
RECOMMENDATION
FISCAL IMPACT
No Fiscal Impact.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Randall Vogel
Assistant County Attorney
863-534-6744