City and PAWS Humane negotiate management agreement for Animal Care & Control; public meeting set for Dec. 30

City officials and representatives of PAWS Humane presented a negotiated management agreement under which PAWS Humane would assume operation of the Columbus Animal Care and Control Center (CACC), shifting shelter operations and many services from the city to the nonprofit.

City and PAWS negotiators described a proposed three-year contract with an optional two-year extension. Under the negotiated terms, PAWS would run shelter operations, expand services (spay/neuter, in-house veterinary care, behavior services, foster programming), and increase personnel from 26 city positions to a proposed 31 PAWS positions. The proposed annual budget for PAWS-managed CACC operations is roughly $3,292,536 as negotiated.

Why it matters

The management agreement would transfer day-to-day animal control services to a nonprofit with expanded shelter and animal-health services. The transition raises questions about employee placement, city oversight, service levels and the financial terms of the contract.

Key points from the presentation

- Current and proposed budgets: The city’s current CACC budget figures presented included about $1,300,000 in personnel, $562,000 in animal-care expenses, and $208,000 in operating expenses. PAWS’ negotiated annual operating budget for the facility was presented at approximately $3.29 million.

- Staffing and services: The proposed PAWS staffing model reflected 31 positions (16 animal services officers, 10 shelter technicians, 3 communications techs and administrative staff). PAWS told council the organization would provide additional services not currently offered by the city shelter, including spay/neuter and expanded medical care and behavioral services.

- Employee transitions: City staff said all current CACC employees interested in working for PAWS would have to apply to PAWS; those not hired who wished to stay with the city would be offered opportunities elsewhere (public works was cited as a likely department with vacancies). City leaders emphasized a commitment to attempt internal placements for employees who do not transfer.

- Financial review and public input: City staff said PAWS’ financials were delivered to the city the day before the presentation and are under review by the finance division. The city scheduled a public meeting for Dec. 30 at 6:00 p.m. in council chambers to receive public comment; staff will return to council on Jan. 7 with an updated management agreement reflecting community input and finance review.

Actions and next steps

No formal contract award or vote occurred at the meeting. Council was asked to note the negotiation outcome and to expect a revised management agreement following the public meeting and review of PAWS’ financial records. If the agreement is approved in January, staff said they would aim to transfer operations as soon as possible, but no later than Feb. 1, 2025.

Quotations and attribution

“We believe what we will present to you today… is a solid plan, a program, to take care of the challenges that we've had in the past with animal care control here in Muscogee County,” City Attorney (presenting the negotiation) said. Courtney Pierce, executive director of PAWS Humane, attended as the PAWS representative and board members joined the negotiation team in the chambers.

What to watch

Upcoming items for council consideration include: PAWS’ audited/verified financial disclosures; a public meeting on Dec. 30; an updated management agreement on Jan. 7; identification of a city contract administrator to oversee the agreement and ensure compliance with city ordinances and state Department of Agriculture rules.