The owner of Paw-a-day Inn K9 Suites in Tilton says his facility would make a perfect spot to relocate the county animal shelter. Bill Pickett has the story…
Tony Piatt told members of the County Board’s Property Committee this evening (Monday, August 18, 2025) that he is asking $2.8 million dollars for his buildings at 5 South Hodge Street.
Piatt (shown here) says the county would save millions of taxpayer dollars, improve staff efficiency and reduce injuries, and provide healthier, happier animals that get adopted faster. And Piatt noted his buildings are ready now…
{AUDIO: “This is about more than just a facility. This is about the dignity of the animals, efficiency for staff, relief for the taxpayers, and pride in Vermilion County.”}
But County Board chairman Steve Miller opposes buying the Paw-a-day property because of another possible option…
{“I have, as of last Friday, received a communication that there might be a possibility that we could receive a substantial donation from a party in town which would like to see a first-class facility for the county to operate. And, it’s in its infancy as far as the proposal.”}
County Board member Nancy O’Kane said she had not been informed about any new proposal. And board member Tim McFadden also complained he had not been told about it. They were told last evening that the discussions are very preliminary.
Another County Board member – Kevin Green says its going to take a community effort to improve conditions for animals at the county shelter….
{AUDIO: “It’s going to have to involve some county government money, maybe some village money, donations and foundation money, some sponsor money, some bake sales, some cake walks. I think the people in this community want this. But if you have a solution you think is better and less expensive, I’m sure the committee would be willing to listen to that.”}
Property Committee members were merely listening to the offer from Paw-a-day Inn K9 Suites and did not vote on whether to recommend the county purchase the property.
Meanwhile, a meeting scheduled Tuesday between County Board Chairman Steve Miller, Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr., and the director of the Vermilion County Animal Shelter will focus on the cost of running the shelter. Some county leaders say currently about 57-percent of expenses for the shelter on the Catlin-Tilton Road involve services being provided inside Danville. But the city is only paying about 10-percent of the cost of operating the shelter.
