The Utah Animal Adoption Center snatched up the high-profile spokeswoman Wednesday, signaling her likely return to television, radio and newspaper to pitch a pet of the week.
"We couldn't let a talent like hers get away from us," said Diane Johnson, vice president of the nonprofit adoption agency's board of directors.
Salt Lake County dismissed three upper-level staffers within its Animal Services Division last week, a move county leaders attributed to a cost-cutting measure to keep its contract cities (Salt Lake City and Herriman) from straying for lower-priced services.
The county eliminated Martin's media-coordinator job and removed the positions of Shelter Manager Jackie Strasters and Community-Relations Manager Richelle Gruber.
Meanwhile, the division's director, Kenneth Miles, is on paid leave for undisclosed reasons.
But while the Animal Services Division shaved expenses from its administrative ranks, it added them from below. The county confirmed Wednesday that it will hire a second animal-adoption specialist - a $28,560 position.
"Our goal is to adopt as many animals as possible," said Phil Bernal, associate director of public works. "That was the purpose for a new adoption person."
The position also carries a lower price tag than any of the employees eliminated, whose salaries ranged from $43,968 to $51,072.
County leaders vow to continue their pet-adoption campaign, although they haven't determined exactly how. They may sign up an outside contractor or have someone handle media relations from within.
Bernal rejected talk that the staff shake-up had anything to do with employee morale surveys in which Martin and her now-dismissed colleagues were criticized.
For her part, Martin - who is taking a pay cut to work for the Utah Animal Adoption Center - described the career move as a perfect fit for her passion.
"I'm very, very excited about this opportunity," she said.
Her new bosses are pleased, too. "The county's loss," said Connie Smith, president of the adoption center's board, "is our gain."
jstettler@sltrib.com
Salt Lake County has placed the director of the Animal Services Division on paid leave and eliminated three administrative positions. Here's a look at their latest salaries and money the county soon will expend on a new animal-adoption specialist:
* Kenneth Miles, division director: $90,192 (on leave)
* Temma Martin, media coordinator: $48,648 (dismissed)
* Jackie Strasters, shelter manager: $51,072 (dismissed)
* Richelle Gruber, community-relations manager: $43,968 (dismissed)
* New animal-adoption specialist: $28,560 (to be hired)
Source: Salt Lake County
