County Votes to Transfer Animal Service to Sheriff's Office, Ignoring Expert Testimony

BROOKSVILLE, FL – The fight over who will control Hernando County Animal Services (HCAS) came to a close Tuesday after the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted 3:2 to hand over operations to the Sheriff's Office.

Former Commissioner Beth Narverud spearheaded efforts to transfer control of Animal Services to Sheriff Nienhuis amid accusations of corruption and assisting Nienhuis in his effort to seek revenge on his former third in command, now-HCAS Manager, James Terry. In 2017, then-Major James Terry blew the whistle on Nienhius, claiming he was hiding millions in revenue from the County. Adding fuel to the fire, Terry ran against Nienhuis during the 2020 election cycle.

Sheriff Nienhuis and Former Commissioner Narverud

At the onset of the hearing, Commissioner Steve Champion stated, "It sounds like you've already made your mind up, so unless you three [Commissioners Brian Hawkins, Jerry Campbell, and John Allocco] are going to 'Rubber stamp' it, I'd like to hear from Doctor Crawford, she's here... I'd also like to hear from James Terry, who has a presentation, and I'd like to see that as well." Champion, the most outspoken conservative on the board, questioned why Hawkins, Allocco, and Campbell never challenged budget proposals submitted by Sheriff Nienhuis, calling them 'Rubber stampers.' Champion did not hold back in calling the trio "corrupt" when voting on issues pertaining to the Sheriff's Office.

Commissioner Steve Champion

Prior to a vote, commissioners heard testimony from University of Florida Auditor Dr. Cynda Crawford, who completed the most recent audit on the shelter. "Many of the recommendations were not due to the lack of managerial effort... The reason issues were not addressed is that Terry had no support [Funding] from a county level," said Crawford.

Cynda Crawford, DVM, PHD

Crawford also voiced concerns over a hasty transfer stating, "I will say this, from my understanding, which may be limited, this seems to be rushed. It seems rushed... You're trying to transfer control from one agency that has been in control for a long, long time, to another agency that has no experience whatsoever running a shelter." The county is attempting to complete a full transfer before the end of the year so that Nienhuis takes control on January 1, 2025.

Manager James Terry explained that he has operated the shelter on a 30% smaller budget than Citrus and Brevard Counties and doesn't believe Nienhuis can save the county money. Terry goes on to explain that false information about an incident at the shelter is what incited unwarranted backlash from animal activists. "Information that came forward about the attempted 'heart stick' was absolutely 100% false, never happened." Accusations regarding the use of the heart stick were proven to be false during an audit, but Narverud and her allies continued raising the issue, despite having the facts.

As a result of the transfer, Nienhuis will control approximately 75% of the county's budget, which some believe gives Nienhuis far too much power and lends to even more concerns of corruption among his allies on the BOCC.

During deliberation, Campbell lashed out at Champion, accusing him of questioning his integrity. "He [Champion] challenges our integrity on a regular basis and then says things like, ‘I don’t want to challenge anyone’s integrity…’ and then says things like ‘Rubber Stamp,’ bias, making it political.” Champion interrupts, “Those are facts, that’s true.” Campbell continues, regarding Champion's “Minions on Facebook,” stating, "They are making threats on whether we vote one way or another. I take this job with the utmost professionalism and very seriously. I would never rubber stamp a decision like this without doing my due diligence.” Championed denied the claims and said, "I tell you anything I want to your face. I don't need to do anything online; I'll tell you exactly what I think."

Commissioner Jerry Campbell

Newly elected Commissioner Ryan Amsler ran against Narverud on issues related to her lack of conservative values, fiscal irresponsibility, and her support for Nienhuis after he refused to investigate the Brooksville slaughterhouse incident. Amsler joined Champion in voting against the transfer.

Many see the current BOCC as two conservatives against three progressive liberals who routinely vote to raise taxes, stifle citizen liberties, and spend taxpayer dollars without listening to constituents.

All eyes will be watching as the Sheriff's Office attempts to make a full transfer of operations in just three weeks.

R News will continue to follow any new developments.

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CORRECTION: In our original report, R News erred in quoting Commissioner Campbell by stating he believed Commissioner Champion was threatening his business. We apologize for the error.