By Linda Dean Cooper
Rod Hastings, former manager of Levy Animal Control submitted his resignation effective, Monday, November 18, at 5:00 PM.
Hastings resignation letter is as follows:
Board of County Commissioners
To Whom It May Concern:
I submit this letter of resignation of V Rod Hastings to be effective on November 18, 2024.
This letter in NO WAY is an admission of any wrongdoing on my behalf. Having served the citizens of Levy County for twenty-six years; but only one at animal services. I have a clear conscience in regards to my work ethics and integrity. However, it is summited because of the corruption and coverup that I have witnessed.
I look forward to moving into the next chapter of my life (IF) treated fairly and adequately by the county commissioners,
Respectfully,
V Rodney Hastings
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County Manager Mary Ellen Harper accepted Hastings’s resignation the same day.
Hopefully, a page has been turned, and the county will hire a professional animal control manager. One who understands shelter needs, proper handling and reporting to prosecute animal abuse cases, while working with outside agencies and rescue groups to limit prolonged stays in the shelter.
On Tuesday, Harper led the Animal Service Strategic Planning Workshop. Like most, I felt it was going to be a waste of time with nothing accomplished. I was wrong. After three hours of public input, I believe it was time well spent. Harper should have something on the BoCC agenda to review with the public and commissioners the workshop ideas. The commissioners were present for the workshop. They heard firsthand what the public wanted most for the animal control department.
In my opinion, the Animal Control Department has always been a hellhole for dumped, unwanted animals. UF’s 38-page operation consult report explains the issues and provides guidance and resources to improve the shelter operations. Levy needs a leader to implement those solutions.
I’m ready to move to a more humane but effective animal control department. I refuse to call it Animal Services until they provide a truly beneficial service.
PDF below of Hastings and Harper’s Letters:
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Posted November 20, 2024
