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Davis County honors foster volunteers; commissioners postpone $28,000 fundraising feasibility contract for Animal Care
Summary
The commission presented the inaugural Foster of the Year award to Cindy Blanchard, approved an Amazon wish list for donations, and voted to postpone a proposed $28,000 fundraising feasibility contract with Pathway Group until early January after debate over cost, timing and volunteer capacity.
The Davis County Commission on Dec. 16 recognized volunteer foster caregivers and moved to delay a contract seeking outside help to plan fundraising for the county animal shelter.
At the start of the meeting the commission’s chair, Lorraine Kamalu, introduced a presentation by Animal Care Director Michelle Hicks and Foster & Rescue Coordinator Pam Knowlton honoring Cindy Blanchard as the county’s 2025 Foster of the Year. Pam Knowlton told the commission the county has about 250 active fosters and said Blanchard "has fostered 57 animals," handling cases ranging from newborn bottle kittens to animals with severe medical needs. Blanchard, receiving the award, thanked other volunteers for supporting her during a large, emotional rescue.
The commission approved a proposal from Animal Care to start an Amazon wish list to coordinate donated supplies and reduce storage and logistical problems. Michelle Hicks said the wish list would help manage unsolicited donations and was “appropriate and consistent with the policy,” and a motion to approve the item passed.
Hicks then asked the commission to authorize contracting with Pathway Group for a four-month fundraising feasibility study at a flat fee of $28,000 to assess philanthropic capacity, produce confidential interviews with potential major donors, and write a case for support. Commissioners questioned whether the county could rely on volunteers to accomplish the same work and whether the expected return would justify the cost. Commissioner Croft said she was "reticent to support this," noting past feasibility studies can be of mixed value and suggesting volunteers might be able to help. Hicks replied that volunteers are essential but that an external firm can meet a four-month timeline and deliver a professional case for support.
After extended discussion about timing, staffing and budget source (Hicks said the fee would come from the animal care fund balance or a non-general fund account), Commissioner (identified in the transcript as “12”) moved to table/postpone the contract until the first meeting in January. The motion carried with one dissenting vote from Chair Kamalu.
The item’s postponement leaves the wish list approved but delays the decision on hiring an outside consultant to scope a capital fundraising campaign and fundraising operations plan.
Looking ahead, Animal Care staff said the new shelter project will require continued attention to fundraising and that the feasibility study was intended to establish realistic and stretch fundraising goals and a preliminary campaign plan.
The commission left standing the recognition of foster volunteers as part of a broader emphasis on volunteerism and public engagement at the county’s animal services.
