Forsyth County may be one step closer today to building a new animal shelter.

During Thursday's work session, county commissioners appointed an eight-member committee to explore ways to fund a new animal shelter that won't bust a very lean 2011 budget.

Members of the Forsyth County Animal Control Advisory Committee (FCACAC) include two veterinarians, Dr. Lanier Orr and Dr. John McGruder and Dist. 3 Commissioner Todd Levent, Asst. County Manager Tim Merritt, Animal Control officer Brian Deblois, Kathy Genovese, Lance White and Cindy Henderson.

McGruder will serve as chairman and Henderson will serve as secretary in a non-voting role.

Dist. 4 Commissioner Patrick Bell, who recommended formation of the FCACAC, said the committee would draft a comprehensive plan detailing:

• The level of service the county will provide;
• How construction and operation costs will be funded;
• A one-, three-, and five-year projected statement of operations;
• A policy that authorizes certified animal rescue groups to handle all adoptions;
• Recommendations for the creation of animal sheltering standards

For years, the county has contracted with Dr. Orr's clinic to operate an animal shelter at a cost of $480,000 annually. But animal activists have been extremely vocal in lobbying for a new shelter. They say the current facility is badly overcrowded and euthanizes too many animals.

Bell, who has taken much of the heat from the activists, said Thursday, "I'm committed to building a new animal shelter but only if we can do it in a fiscally responsible manner.  It is my hope and my belief that this committee will help us do that and sooner rather than later."

"While my heart and my sympathy is with those who want this project to move forward, my responsibility is to our citizens. It's important that we decide what level of service they want and are willing to pay for," said Bell.

"What should the facility's capacity be? How long do we keep animals there? Do we want to fund a spay and neuter room? Once those questions are answered, we can move forward," added Bell.

The Board held its regular meeting immediately following the work session. Dist. 3 Commissioner Todd Levent appointed Jim Kelleher, a tax attorney, to the county's Planning Commission and Craig Nolen to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Two county employees were recognized for their many years of service to Forsyth County. Janet Heard, of the Planning and Development Department, and David Picklesimer, of Roads and Bridges, both reached 25 years of service.

The Board also read resolutions honoring Cody Newman and Chad Michael Rush for having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Newman, a student at Lambert High School, is a member of Troop 2000 of the Boy Scouts of America. His Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held January 15, 2011.

Rush is also a member of Troop 2000 and a student at North Forsyth High School. Their Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held January 15, 2011.