Orangeburg County Animal Control officers won't be patrolling the streets for pets under a new ordinance being considered, county officials said Monday.

Councilman Harry Wimberly stressed, "It's not the county's intent to ride around the streets" looking for pet dogs and cats to pick up. The ordinance is for animals that leave home and bother someone else, he said.

And County attorney D'Anne Haydel said the county, with very limited resources, has enough to do handling regular complaints to animal control. It won't be patrolling the county looking for violators.

Unless the animal's a public danger or there are multiple reports, most investigations won't be initiated unless someone signs a written, sworn, notarized complaint, she said.

County Council discussed the proposed new ordinance Monday, but postponed second reading. Members said they only received a final draft Monday afternoon and need more time to look at the proposed changes.

Council did go ahead with a public hearing on the ordinance. Two people spoke -- one concerned about how cats would be treated under the proposal, the other questioning the definition of aggressive animals.

Councilman Willie B. Owens said the ordinance, "won't be so strict your cat can't go off the front porch."

Haydel said the existing ordinance, "doesn't permit cats to run at large."

During the hearing, Dennis Powers said he's recently had problems with a pit bull coming onto his rural property. He said after contacting the Animal Control office, he was alarmed to learn that the owner of the pit bull was provided with his personal information.

He also questioned what would happen to elderly pet owners who do not have computer access to check the Animal Control Web site to see if their animals were picked up.

Animal control will list animals on several sites, Haydel said.

Noting that he has a pet dog, Council Chairman Johnnie Wright said, "We try our best to think through these situations when we have them. There was a lot of collaboration. It is a complicated situation. Everyone has a different take. We try to come to a (middle) ground and, at the same time, have some control."

According to Haydel, the proposed new ordinance is "100 percent in accordance with state law, but not as broad. It deals primarily with dogs and cats" and prohibits any more exotic animals.

After the session, Haydel said the main piece of information she wants pet owners to understand is that animals with no identification are kept five days, while those with identification are kept 21 days.

"Keep those tags and collars on," she said.

In other business, council:

* Postponed final, third reading of an ordinance repealing the county's purchasing regulations and replacing them with a procurement ordinance, to allow council time to review amendments. The change, as part of the county's periodic review of ordinances, is designed to more clearly reflect state law.

Although most proposed changes were typographical, Haydel said two regard the methods of accepting and rewarding contracts. Instead of "procurement director," it is council which would make the decision.

"I'd rather see it in black and white," said Councilman Johnny Ravenell.

Wimberly cast the lone vote against postponing the ordinance. Councilwoman Janie Cooper, who is recuperating from knee surgery, did not attend the session.

* After a public hearing, gave second reading to an ordinance transferring a utility right-of-way to the city of Orangeburg. The city needs the utility easement through the portion of Gibson Street that the county is closing for renovations to enhance security at the courthouse.

* Gave first reading, by title only, to a fee-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with Triumph Tube. Earlier this year, the firm announced plans to locate its flagship and U.S. headquarters at Carolina Regional Park. The park is located near U.S. 601 and Interstate 26. The company will locate into a 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Triumph plans to invest $3.5 million and generate 40 new jobs over the next five years.

Under the standard fee-in-lieu-of-taxes inducement agreement, in exchange for its investment, the company will pay a 6 percent assessment ratio rather than the usual 10.5 percent industrial assessment.

* Accepted the $465,915.10 low bid, submitted by Palmetto Site Prep of Orangeburg, to construct the west-of-the-Edisto sewer project Phase IIA.

* Appointed Craig Williams, representing the western end of the county, and Hazel Milton, representing the eastern end, to the Orangeburg County Development Commission.

* Approved the 2010 holiday schedule. County employees receive 12 paid days.

* Recognized Eagle Scout Benjamin Bryan Fogle of Troop 45.

T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545.

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