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New resident asks council for animal-shelter update; city says no contract and building a shelter remains a possibility
Summary
A new resident asked about the status of Augusta’s animal shelter; city staff said the previous contract ended, the city has not secured a replacement shelter and building a city-owned shelter is a possible option to be discussed in next year’s budget meetings beginning in May.
Adrienne Heffner, a resident who recently moved to Augusta, asked the City Council on Dec. 1 for an update on plans for an animal shelter and what needs to happen to move the issue forward.
"Just kinda curious what is the update for the animal shelter? Any plans, updates?" Heffner asked, adding she did not know if the meeting was the best time to ask.
A city representative who spoke during the visitor portion said the city’s prior contract for animal services has ended and staff have not yet been able to identify a replacement shelter willing to enter a contract. The representative said some shelters are accepting animals on a one-off basis but the city currently lacks a standing contract. "We have to have a shelter that is willing to work with us and willing to have some sort of arrangement with us. We have not been able to identify one," the city representative said.
Staff said building a new city shelter is a different and costlier option that has been discussed in budget sessions; budget meetings for the coming fiscal year do not begin until May. No decision on building a new shelter has been made.
The representative said the city is continuing outreach to other communities and shelters and would report back; Heffner asked that the item be brought up in the next budget cycle.
