FARMINGTON — The Franklin County administrator has applied for a two-year Betterment Fund Grant of $30,000 per year to pay for an animal control officer for the county.

Commissioners authorized the application Feb. 4, which was submitted later by Administrator Amy Bernard.

Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. attempted in 2016 to get commissioners to approve a similar position because his deputies were handling those responsibilities in the unorganized territory and in some towns with no police department or animal control officer. However, commissioners did not act on the request.

Deputies are still handling animal calls for the unorganized territory and towns without a police department or an animal control officer.

Bernard raised the proposal for applying for a grant in November 2024 but commissioners wanted to wait until the five new commissioners were sworn in Jan. 1.

The Sheriff’s Office and Bernard met with town officials on several occasions to discuss the need for a qualified animal control officer. Those most interested in the position sent letters of support, including Jay Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere and Wilton Town Manager Maria Greeley.

Both towns have qualified, certified animal control officers but were interested in the county pursuing the option.

The Betterment Fund Grant would assist with the salary and benefits under the Sherriff’s Office.

“The intent of this ‘pilot’ ACO position would have it become self-funded through the towns and (unorganized territory,)” Bernard wrote.

The Betterment Fund was created for charitable purposes through the will of William Bingham II of Bethel who died in 1955. The philanthropist had an abiding interest in education and the improvement of health services in the state, according to the fund website at www.bettermentfund.org.