A generous offer to expand Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center for free has been withdrawn.
“When we get a new county executive, they can call me and we’ll discuss an expansion,” said Superior Walls president Stacey Harvey. “As long as Jimmy Haley is county executive, it’s over. I really didn’t expect him to throw a hissy fit, but that’s exactly what happened. He threw a tantrum and now it’s over.”
Harvey offered to donate materials for an expansion of Animal Control – concrete slab, exterior walls, roof trusses, roofing plywood – and the labor required for that portion of the work, a building 24 feet by 28 feet. County government would have been tasked with finishing the project’s metal roof, plumbing, and electrical system.
The offer was made to members of the county Health and Welfare Committee in October.
“Have you heard the expression ‘Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,’” said Harvey. “This gift was tens of thousands of dollars and it came down to Jimmy’s need to exert authority. I was spit in my face and of the people of Warren County. There was absolutely no cause for it.”
Harvey said Haley acted poorly on Thursday when Superior Walls equipment and crew were poised and ready to begin prep work on the area where the expansion would be constructed.
“We went over to begin clearing out debris and brush from the side of the building where the expansion would be,” said Harvey. “We used a semi-truck to transport the equipment. About the time we got over there, Jimmy wanted to see a building permit, construction plans, everything. I explained to him that all we were doing is clearing the spot. You don’t need a permit. His behavior was outrageous, like a little tyrant. I didn’t expect that from a county executive. He talks about being progressive, but he stood in the way of progress.”
Commissioner Blaine Wilcher, chair of Health and Welfare, expressed a desire to salvage the project.
“I don’t want to lose this expansion, for the second time, and I know the staff can use it,” said Wilcher. “Above that, the animals deserve it. I asked Stacey if he would not withdraw his donations and give me time to try to work it out. Obviously, he wasn’t happy. Hopefully, we can work something out.”
Commissioner Joseph Stotts offered to help resolve any issues.
“It is truly wonderful to see Warren County citizens such as Mr. Harvey step up and be willing to donate free time and labor to help out our animals down at Animal Control,” said Stotts. “I greatly appreciate his willingness to serve and help. I, too, hope there is a way this can be resolved so he can be able to help us. If there is anything I can do to assist at this time I would be more than willing to help in any way I can.”
Haley was contacted for comment, but did not respond.
