The City of Ironton has recently eliminated one position from the city’s payroll.

Thursday, March 01, 2001

The City of Ironton has recently eliminated one position from the city’s payroll.

The job of city dog warden, formerly held by Bob Hess, has been eliminated after what Mayor Bob Cleary calls a "complicated issue."

Cleary said the job elimination came after a laid-off city police officer approached city officials. The officer felt the dog warden should have been laid off before police officers.

Although the dog warden does not officially work for the police department, Cleary explained, he was dispatched by IPD on an as-needed basis to handle calls that came into the department.

Cleary explained the dog warden was a part-time, salaried position that worked only on a call-out basis.

Although the dog warden job does not fall under the police budget, Cleary said he saw some value to the laid-off police officer’s statement and conceded to the layoff.

Police officers will handle all of the animal complaint calls with the dog warden position being eliminated. IPD will continue to handle the calls until further notice.

Cleary said he is not sure what direction the city will follow in the future. He said the possibility exists that the city will create an animal control position at a later date.

"There is not a reduction of service," Cleary said. "Instead of dealing with one person that specifically answered the dog calls, residents will work with police officers that will respond to their needs."