By Jessica Dillon and Taylor Boyd
During a recent work session, Martinsville officials discussed a potential partnership with Henry County to build a joint animal control facility, following the destruction of the city’s animal shelter in a Dec. 23 fire.
The fire, which originated from heating units, destroyed the shelter. Three dogs — Blackie, Max, and Jake — died due to the blaze.
Martinsville Police Chief Chad Rhoads said the proposed joint facility would be a state-of-the-art shelter designed to meet all state regulations and standards with which both the city’s and county’s current shelters struggle to comply.
“As a combined shelter, this proposal would have six quarantine runs, of which the city currently had two, seven puppy and small-breed runs, which we had none, 24 single adoption runs, and six double adoption dog runs,” Rhoads said.
The proposed facility would also significantly expand accommodations for cats.
Rhoads said the shelter would include 24 adoption cat crates, 12 quarantine cat crates, 12 stray cat crates, and a 177-square-foot outdoor cat patio.
“Martinsville’s shelter doesn’t have facilities for cats, and we had to stop taking in cats at some point in the past year,” he said. “So, this is a clear upgrade over what we and the county have.”
While the Henry County Board of Supervisors has not yet taken action on the proposed shared facility, Rhoads said county officials support the concept.
The total estimated cost of the joint shelter is $5.9 million.
“It’s still very early in the talks, but the precedent in the past has been a two-thirds, one-third split between the county and the city in these joint projects,” Rhoads said. “That would put the city’s contribution to this joint shelter just under $2 million.”
Rhoads said state lawmakers are also assisting with funding efforts. State Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Moneta, and Del. Eric Phillips, R-Martinsville, are sponsoring a budget amendment that would allocate $1 million toward the shelter over a two-year period.
“Sen. Stanley did state that there would be matching funds,” Rhoads said. “But clearly, if we’re paying on a $2 million shelter, we will easily cover those matching funds. That would obviously be a great help.”
Rhoads said monetary donations still being received in response to the fire have been earmarked for rebuilding the animal shelter.
“We’re putting all the cash donations directly into a city line item that will go toward paying for the new shelter,” he said. “Not a dime of that has been spent yet — that’s all going to the new shelter.”
He added that the city is also awaiting an insurance payout related to the destroyed facility.
Council meeting actions and public comment
City Council formally discussed the shelter proposal and other matters during its Jan. 14 meeting, which also included reports from the Tree Board, several ordinances, and multiple funding items.
Former City Council candidate and Economic Restructuring Committee member Joey Martin addressed the council during public comment, urging members to refocus on governance amid recent conflicts.
“Volunteer boards, advisory committees, and citizen feedback are often secondary to pursuing what a few believe is the best, even if it conflicts with the wishes of the majority,” Martin said.
He referenced recent investigations and legal actions tied to allegations of wrongdoing involving council members.
“Those boxes have all been checked,” Martin said. “The courts, the law enforcement, and the prosecutors now have the responsibility to handle these matters.
“The council must return professionalism; only then can governance happen, only then can the city function,” he said. “Only then can we focus on growing our community and improving the standard of living and serving the people of Martinsville, which should always be your main focus.”
Resident Joyce Conroy also spoke, voicing support for the animal shelter while criticizing city leadership.
“Leadership needs to get this priority straight,” Conroy said. “I’ve attended many community meetings in Maryland, and the lack of leadership here in Martinsville is inept and embarrassing. I do not say this lightly, and it’s not my purpose to just be unkind. As a citizen, I intend to become more involved and do my part.”
She specifically referred to Mayor LC Jones and Council member Rayshaun Gravely when discussing accountability and taxpayer protection.
Funding items and other actions
Council approved an unbudgeted cost tied to a required update at the regional 911 center.
“There was a mandatory update that the 911 center must take part in using our scale for the sharing between county expenses and city expenses,” City Manager Robert Fincher said. “The city’s cost is $17,312, and we asked for this approval because it was not originally budgeted for.”
The council also approved appropriations tied to several grants, including a $141,479 non-matching reimbursement grant awarded to the police department through Operation Ceasefire.
Additional funding included a $75,000 YMCA planning grant for Phase 1 development of a new facility and $16,875 in state drug court carryover funds. A public hearing was held on the unbudgeted appropriations.
Council also approved allowing the Tree Board to manage its own social media presence, repealed Section 2.4 of the city code, reviewed First Piedmont Refuse fees, and discussed issuing a request for proposals to a CPA firm to examine city financial policies and practices.
Recognitions
In other matters, the council issued several recognitions, including:
*A proclamation honoring Jonathan Cox as the city’s 2025 Police Officer of the Year
*A proclamation honoring the life of longtime Martinsville High School Coach Charlie Holland
*A Community Honor Statement recognizing the Martinsville Animal Shelter
