Adequate staffing and follow-through on new programs at the Flathead County Animal Shelter are two of the biggest concerns of the Animal Advisory Committee, committee president Myni Ferguson told the county commissioners on Tuesday.

The committee was set up two years ago as the City-County Health Department was assuming jurisdiction of the shelter following a staffing shakeup. The committee is in charge of advising the commissioners on shelter issues and providing public education.

In response to budget constraints and a hiring freeze, the shelter's full-time receptionist and volunteer coordinator was eliminated some time ago and changed to a part-time (24 hours a week) receptionist position.

Ferguson said that while she understands the belt-tightening, she'll continue to push for more staffing.

"As we are presently open to the public for 35 hours, there are a number of hours where kennel staff and the director have to man the desk, leaving their own duties neglected," Ferguson said. "Also, without supervision, the volunteer program has also been neglected."

When the shelter gets a rescue situation such as the 39 huskies that had to be housed for four months in a felony animal cruelty case, it creates a "perfect storm," Ferguson told the commissioners. In that case, the additional dogs needed professional handling, which stretched the staff even thinner. And there was nobody to recruit, train and coordinate volunteers to help with the staff's regular duties.

Ferguson said the committee will develop recommendations and solutions for emergency shelter situations when it presents its next report in January 2010. Starting in January the committee will give quarterly reports to the commissioners.

The shelter has been improved in several areas, such as the addition of a new, more spacious area for displaying cats and extra help at the shelter from animal control officers. But the needs are many, according to a list compiled by the committee.

A new laundry room needs plumbing and appliance installation; the shelter needs a new heating and cooling system and the front entrance and front desk area should be revamped for better traffic flow and to meet safety needs for people and animals. The dog kennels need new flooring and other improvements. A pet microchipping identification program should be put in place.

Volunteer and foster programs have been started but need follow-through, Ferguson said. The shelter's Web site, http://montanapets.org/fcac, is working well but needs either staff or volunteer coordination to oversee the accuracy and timeliness of information posted.

Commissioner Dale Lauman said he believes the Animal Advisory Committee "has filled a real void.

"I think this past year the shelter has become more visible to the public," Lauman said. "Public awareness is really important."

In addition to Ferguson, committee members include vice president Adele Zimmerman, Cindie Jobe, Thomas Marino and Carmen O'Brien.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com