By Bryce Abshier – Contact Bryce@VoiceofSouthMarion.com
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved the first $5.3 million investment toward the construction of a new animal shelter during its October 1 meeting. This initial investment, part of a larger $22.5 million project, paves the way for site preparations, including demolition and infrastructure setup at the shelter’s future location, just north of the Ocala International Airport.
D.E. Scorpio Corporation, of Gainesville, was awarded the contract for this phase of the project, which includes essential groundwork such as fencing, irrigation, mechanical installations, and electrical equipment. The shelter will eventually house up to four kennel buildings and an administration facility, but many local residents have voiced concerns about the scale of the project, particularly given its hefty price tag.
While the total project is expected to cost $22.5 million, some community members argue that the new facility will not adequately address the county’s animal control issues. The inclusion of only a limited number of additional kennels has become a focal point of criticism, with many questioning whether this expansion will be enough to combat the county’s overcrowded shelter and population growth. “Spending millions just to add four more kennels makes no sense,” one resident posted online, reflecting a growing sentiment among critics.
Another resident felt the move was politically motivated to push forward the penny sales tax renewal that’ll be on the upcoming November ballot. “A year ago they stated they had broken ground and started the building. Why lie to us just to justify the penny sales tax?,” they wrote. With an additional $529,698 contingency available, the total initial expenditure of $5.3 million will be funded through the county’s Infrastructure Surtax. As construction begins on the 20-acre site, the debate continues about whether this new facility will meet the county’s needs, or if, as critics claim, it’s simply a costly stopgap.
The new shelter is planned as a no-kill facility, a move aimed at reducing euthanasia rates. While the approval is a major milestone, public scrutiny is unlikely to ease up anytime soon as residents continue to push for more substantial improvements for local strays.
