GALLATIN, Tenn. -- An animal shelter known for its high euthanization rate and inhumane practices is trying to clean up its public image.

Video: County Attempts To Cleanup Shelter's Image

The Sumner County Animal Control building is supposed to be taken over by the Sheriff's Department in November, but due to a tight budget, it may remain under the County Executive Office's control.

On Saturday, Sumner County officials spent the day giving the building some much needed repairs.

Many who are against the procedures that have occurred in the building in the past year said it needs much more than a new coat of paint.

"We've had some difficulties and challenges in the past," Sumner County Executive Regan Hall said. "I want rescues up (and) euthanizations down. I would love to get the facility, at some point, (to be a) no kill facility."

Hall was joined by other county commissioners and an inmate work crew Saturday as repairs were made to the building.

The Sheriff's Office said it has been preparing for the takeover by training officers, and they said they received positive feedback from animal advocates, but that may be derailed due to budget problems.

"The whole community (was) looking forward to change and accountability at animal control -- to hear this is a shock," animal rights advocate Peg Olea said.

Hall assured the community that if the money cannot be secured for the takeover and his office remains in control, changes will be made.

"We've implemented in the last week 55 more rescue groups and added them to our roles that are approved for rescue," Hall said.

"We need to reorganize this place," County Commissioner Anthony Holt said.

Holt said he wants to see a spay and neuter program, more volunteers and weekend hours.

Currently, the facility is only open weekdays because it sits behind Gallatin's maintenance building, which is closed on weekends and houses expensive equipment.

"We can't have people bothering the city of Gallatin and maintenance facility," Holt said.

The county commission is meeting on Aug. 18, and it will decide whether it will fully fund a sheriff takeover.

Hall said if his office remains in control, he's open to working with animal rescue groups like the Humane Society to help restructure the shelter.

The county has hired seven volunteers and is actively looking for more.

An application is available on the Sumner County Web site.