SEK Humane Society asks Crawford County Commission to explore dedicated funding; commissioners outline lengthy sales-tax path

SEK Humane Society representatives told the Crawford County Commission on Sept. 12 that the shelter is operating near the limit of what it can sustain and asked the county to explore a shared funding model and possible tax-based support.

"We chose to approach the city of Pittsburg first," said Sabina Brackett, president of the SEK Humane Society board, describing a recent meeting with Pittsburg city staff in which a tax percentage or tax bracket was suggested as one funding path. "He just kind of explained to us to check with the County about a tax incentive of some sort to help out, partially help out."

The request followed a presentation in which SEK said roughly 99% of its intakes come from Crawford County (about 97% from Pittsburg), reported wages of about $260,000 in 2024 (up from $242,000 in 2023), and large fluctuations in donations tied to estate gifts and investment income. SEK said it has increased…