WELLSBURG — The Brooke County prosecuting attorney is asking for more staffing in the office, saying it has been difficult to address the county’s caseloads and address policy issues within county government.

While both items were tabled for further discussion by county commissioners, Prosecuting Attorney Allison Cowden, Tuesday, raised concerns about the appointment of, and the policies used by, the county humane officer position, as well as requested funding for the hiring of an additional full-time assistant prosecutor.

“My concern is the policies and procedures of how the humane officer operates are not efficient,” Cowden said.

Among her examples, Cowden said the county currently has no quarantine policy in place for when animals are seized. She also claimed when the county’s new humane officer was appointed, he came to her for guidance on his duties.

However, Cowden noted with one full-time assistant prosecutor handling abuse and neglect, as well as juvenile cases, and a part-time assistant prosecutor focused on magistrate court cases, she has had to handle much of the workload.

“I don’t have the time to fix the concerns that I have,” Cowden said, who noted she wasn’t there speaking as legal counsel for the commission, but on behalf of the people of Brooke County.

Cowden also raised concern about the process used to appoint the new humane officer, questioning whether discussions were held prior to the vote by commissioners Aug. 12.

Commissioner Stacey Wise, though, said, ultimately, the appointment of a humane officer falls to the county sheriff.

“The sheriff makes that decision under state code,” Wise said, expressing hope some of the concerns can be addressed.

She noted she had not been in attendance for some meetings since then and wanted time to review Cowden’s concerns.

Commission Tom Diserio offered his appreciation for the work Cowden and her staff do, saying the decision to hold off on hiring a new assistant prosecutor was to make certain enough funding is available.

“We need to find the funding in the budget,” Diserio said.