Alpena County Animal Control says it needs a new facility.

The county Board of Commissioners ought to perform a cost-benefit analysis to figure out whether doing so makes sens​​e.

Animal Control currently uses a small facility at the Alpena County Fairgrounds, but Animal Control Officer Michelle Reid said that facility is too small, especially when she takes on an animal hoarding case that suddenly puts her in charge of dozens of animals.

She’s currently caring for 12 dogs, four cats, three cockatiels, two turtles, a pair of geckos, and 39 fish because of a single animal neglect case. She only had room for the cats. Otsego County Animal Shelter agreed to house the dogs and the rest of the animals are at Karmas a Fish, a local pet store.

Reid wants to use the former county jail as a new facility, and she claims she has $60,000 in donations lined up for renovations and the county could make $20,000 per year through cremations to help support itself.

The Board of Commissioners, however, has put the building up for sale, seeking a minimum bid of $150,000.

Commissioner Kevin Osbourne told News staff writer Steve Schulwitz for a recent story that animals housed at Animal Control uninvolved in a crime should be sent to one of the two other shelters in Alpena. He said too often animals not involved in criminal cases are often housed for long periods of time, which takes up space needed for true Animal Control matters.

We believe a formal cost-benefit analysis could help the Board of Commissioners make smart decisions about Animal Control, whether the county needs to invest in space for the agency either by moving it to the old jail or some other facility or renovating the current space at the fairgrounds.

That study ought to take into account any potential revenue Animal Control could make and whether donations could help offset renovation costs. It ought to look at any costs the county incurs by having to house animals off-site when they’re part of a criminal investigation.

Reid says she has a need. The county needs to do its due diligence to figure out the best way to meet that need.