A summary of the Putnam County Commission meeting of May 27 might read: 10 minutes of business; followed by 1 hour and 15 minutes of public comment; followed by 10 minutes of executive session.

The business conducted consisted of three items: Approval of the 2024 Delinquent Tax List, Suspension of Operations of the Putnam County Fire Board, and Appointment of the Putnam County Humane Officer. The purpose of the executive session was to conduct an interview. The public comment session allows individuals to address the county commission on items which are not listed on the agenda.

Those addressing the commission expressed concern regarding operation of the Putnam County Animal Shelter and received answers to some of their questions. The commission responded to questions concerning financial records but declined to address personnel decisions.

Individuals addressing the commission had presented their concerns and questions to the Animal Shelter Board at the Board’s meeting on May 15th without receiving any response.

Comments included criticism of the commission’s reliance upon the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Authority to oversee operation of the Putnam shelter. Commissioner Andy Skidmore said that the need to continue to rely upon the KCHA was made necessary by the resignation of directors who had received training and then resigned. The KCHA has served the shelter as the veterinarian of record.

Former Putnam County humane officer Makayla Hilburn leveled accusations of questionable actions relating to animal euthanasia by KCHA.

Comments provided insight into former operations at the shelter. One individual revealed that the freezer at the shelter had served as a depository for dead cats and dogs which had been collected from the roadside.