MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Commission (MCC) is moving forward with plans to build a new animal shelter. That’s despite not having a location for a new facility finalized.
In a release, the commission said it has decided against using 137 acres of donated land off of County Road 316 near Citra for the shelter due to concerns expressed from nearby residents.
Instead, the donor and the county are working out an agreement to use that plot to house the Marion County Sheriff’s Office mounted horse unit and nearly 100 cattle currently housed elsewhere.
The commission says that same donor has offered another to donate a 20-acre parcel on State Road 40 near the Ocala International Airport for a new animal shelter to house dogs, cats, and smaller animals.
“Despite the recent change of a possible location, the county has been planning for this new facility for many years,” said MCC. “There has been approximately $2.3 million dollars generated from Penny Sales Tax revenues set aside for a new animal center. Additionally, $17.4 million dollars is allocated from future Penny Sales Tax revenues.”
The county commission approved county staff to move forward with getting initial design and engineering proposal requests, that are not site specific.
MCC hopes to have a new Animal Services Center by the end of 2025.