The Chilton County Commission held a public hearing on Monday to work toward a solution for increasing funds for the Chilton County Humane Society.

The commission voted to contact the local legislative delegation and ask them to pass a local bill increasing the data process fee for portions of land by 25 cents to meet obligations in funding for animal care.

Commissioners discussed various ways to increase funds for the Chilton County Humane Society in front a commission chamber packed with local supporters for the humane society during a public hearing that started at 7 p.m.

Commissioner Bobby Agee asked members of the audience to raise their hand on whether they showed up to the meeting to support the shelter and the majority of those in attendance raised their hand.

“We are trying to find a workable solution that will help,” Agee said. “It is obvious there are a lot of people who are wanting to help this shelter.”

Agee asked Chilton County Humane society director Scott Missildine to explain the current system implemented at the shelter for animals brought in that are not from the county.

Missildine said in 2012 there were 807 people who brought in animals that were outside of city limits with 64 percent of the animals from the county.

Missildine did note that since the humane society started charging $40 for each animal brought in from the county the numbers had dropped.

“We need more money,” Missildine said. “I don’t like telling people they have to pay a fee.”

Agee told the audience Commission Chairman Allen Caton had researched various ways to increase funds after considering an increase on county water bills and finding it not to be a workable solution.

Caton found that the county currently charges a $5 data process fee for land transactions that could be increased by 25 cents and would generate roughly $23,000 a year.

“Although this is not a quick fix and would have to be passed in Montgomery, we think it would help us generate some much needed funds,” Agee said.

State. Sen. Cam Ward and Rep. Kurt Wallace were not present at the meeting.

Commissioners Joe Headley and Tim Mims voted against increasing the portions of land by 25 cents with the rest of the commission voting in favor.