Tuesday marks the last day on the job for the interim director of Macon-Bibb Animal Services.

Deborah Biggs signed on in June. We weren't able to talk to Biggs today because we were told she was too busy.

"She was a consultant," said Bibb Commissioner Lonzy Edwards. "She came in and offered assistance on an interim basis and that assignment comes to and end."

Edwards says Biggs was hired help the county learn the uncharted territory of running shelter.

"There have been a lot of things that have been recommended, I mean just the cleanliness of the facility for example," he said.

Now the county's chief administrative officer, Steve Layson will head the department until they can hire a permanent director.

"We're making good progress towards getting the position filled and hopefully within a month we'll have somebody in place who can give leadership on a permanent basis."

Since the county took over animal services on July 1, Edwards says they've worked on some long standing issues like food storage, building management and keeping a smooth working relationship with everyone involved.

He says unfortunately some of those decisions have cost animals their lives.

"Mistakes have been made. Things, you know, probably were done that should not have been done," said Edwards.

But he says county leaders continue to work to make Animal Welfare a better place for pets and people alike.

Edwards says he hopes the county will have the new shelter built sooner than they initially thought.

He says it could be completed within 12 to 18 months, instead of 2 years.