News : Supervisors order removal of pit bull, accept bid for courthouse basement work

A pit bull that bit a child on April 27 in northern Benton County is the subject of a removal order approved during Tuesday’s meeting of the Benton County supervisors.

County Attorney Dave Thompson represented the county at the hearing. He said the dog has already been removed from the county. The order will provide law enforcement the authority to seize the dog if the owner, Josh Penley, brings it back to the county.

Penley, who had attended the supervisors’ meeting last week, did not attend the hearing on Tuesday. He had earlier told county officials that he has moved the dog to Linn County.

Under the county’s vicious animal ordinance, pit bulls are among prohibited species of dogs.

Downstairs renovation

The supervisors also accepted a bid of $6,601 from Jensen Wall Systems of Hiawatha for renovation of the former Emergency Management Agency headquarters in the lowest level of the courthouse. New doors, moving of electrical outlets and painting are part of the project. The doors will match those replace during the courthouse renovation several years ago.

County officials have not yet decided which county office will use the space after the renovation. Work is expected to begin within 30-45 days.