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animals can be rehabilitated they also have a lot of cats they have to make sure that animals <br /> are safe and can be rehabilitated. The euthanization rates are low and are only used if the <br /> animals are ill or cannot be rehabilitated or may pose a risk. This is a team effort and they look <br /> for the best ways to care for the animals. She also stated that they have been working on a <br /> strategic plan and it will be posted on their website. <br /> Rose Ausmus - stated she is the lead animal control officer and is familiar with the contract. <br /> They have a good relationship with the sheriff and they want to be the best they can be. If the <br /> demand for services goes up they need more money. They have a good team and there are <br /> concerns form the staff members that they will be closing in 30 or 60 days. It will not affect the <br /> animal control but what happens to the staff they need the member of the staff to do their job. <br /> They feel the pressure and need the cooperation of the city and the county and the humane <br /> society board. They ae tired of trying to work with these concerns. <br /> Lancaster noted that there has been no discussion with the county board regarding these <br /> concerns and the financial security and that is critical. We appreciate what they have done all of <br /> these years and there is concern about the rumors that they are closing and where is the <br /> money. She understands why the staff is feeling the pressure. <br /> Quandt stated they have a good staff and expressed concern on the statements that have been <br /> made to the staff. <br /> Randy Gaard noted the current financial information and stated it takes about $70,000.00 a <br /> month to run the operation. They will not have enough capital to function the Humane Society <br /> has to take some action or the closing is straight forward. This is right off of the balance sheet <br /> and is a serious problem. <br /> Quandt note that if there are changes that need to be made it has to be reorganization at the <br /> board level. There are professionals that can and are willing to help. They cannot wait 60 or 90 <br /> days. <br /> Jill Hornady sated 20 years ago the shelter was about 3,500 square feet and it was in bad <br /> condition. They raised funds to build the new building and in the last year donations have gone <br /> down everything has gone down. The new board thinks they are doing a good job and she <br /> expressed concern that Tonya Hansen was not preset. She questioned if anyone has <br /> addressed the hostile work environment? They cannot have negative financials. She is asking <br /> the county board to deny the contract until the current executive board is replaced. If not the <br /> shelter will fail they need help. <br /> Arnold noted that he would like to make a donation to the Humane Society; they depend on the <br /> community's generosity. The county should not be involved in the politics and it is not <br /> appropriate to take action. <br /> Richardson stated that there are concerns on the financial issues. <br /> Lancaster stated there are grave concerns regarding the viability of the Humane Society. She <br /> ask for the financial information so it can be reviewed. She noted that the City of Grand Island <br /> is currently working on the contract. She would like to talk to the County Attorney to insure the <br /> stability of the Humane Society. <br /> Discussion was held to establish a committee to work on these issues. <br /> 7 <br />