CENTRALIA, IL — The Marion County Board has approved a new contract to house dogs picked up by animal control at the Barking Lot in Centralia. For $5,000 a month, the facility will care for up to 12 dogs until December. This new agreement expands services to include dogs from all Marion County communities. A 14-day housing limit will help get dogs returned or adopted. The contract is seen as a temporary solution as the county explores long-term options.

The board also approved a $43,540 bid for new blinds at the courthouse and public service building to address sun glare affecting employees using computers. The board also restored $213,000 to the sheriff’s budget, including funds for building maintenance and computers in squad cars, and they confirmed Alex Krake as the new highway engineer, effective May 1st.