The Douglas County Board of Commissioners named Richard D. Smith to the new county position of Animal Services director last week.

The new position replaces the previous position of animal shelter manager and reportedly has similar responsibilities. The new director was hired after a nationwide search that lasted nine months.

Smith comes to Douglas County from Missouri, where he was president of the state’s animal control association.

Commission Chairman Tom Worthan said he was pleased to be bringing Smith on board.

“The next goal,” said Worthan, “is to get a new animal shelter built.”

Smith first day on the job was Nov. 13. He reports to County Administrator Eric Linton.

District 3 Commissioner Mike Mulcare had nothing but praise for animal shelter interim director Mike Pope.

“The person stepping into the breach was Mike Pope, who has done an exemplary job and a very effective job reaching out into the community and building relationships,” Mulcare said.

The commissioner cited a number of positive changes and improvements made at the shelter during Pope’s direction, including intake inoculations, a new puppy room and partnerships with local veterinarians.

In other business, the Board of Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the county and city of Douglasville economic development authorities.

While both the city and county governing bodies have expressed interest in consolidating the two development authorities, current financial obligations have prevented this from happening.

The memorandum outlines how the two development authorities would work together regarding projects, explained county development director Chris Pumphrey.

“One of the main efforts is to unify efforts to bring economic growth to Douglas County,” he said. “

Worthan said he is hopeful that the two development authorities might unify by the end of the year.

“We are working toward having one voice for Douglas County,” he said.

In other business, a representative of the Douglas County Fire Department was recognized by the commissioners for earning a prestigious safety award.

The board recognized Douglas County Fire Inspector Sherry Yearta as Fire Safety Educator of the Year by the Georgia Public Safety Educators Association.