Friends group details shelter finances, contractor dispute and repair timeline at Anson County meeting

Friends of the Anson County Animal Shelter presented a detailed operational and financial update to the Anson County Board of Commissioners and raised concerns about a contractor dispute that has limited staff access to parts of the shelter.

The report, delivered by Treasurer Stephanie Pfeiffer and Friends president Maureen Morton, said the county deposit for December was $36,007.47 while December expenses totaled $39,914.16, producing a small December deficit. January showed a deposit of $34,844.66 and expenses of $31,804.58, leaving a $3,040.02 positive cash flow for that month. "Our deposit for December was $36,007.47," Pfeiffer told commissioners. The presenters said more detailed accounting from their contracted accountant will be supplied when weather-related delays end.

The Friends described how some costs — notably emergency veterinary care and certain spay/neuter charges incurred through outside providers — are paid from separate donation accounts rather than the shelter's operating fund. Morton said urgent care for an animal known as Max cost about $2,400 and that donations and partner organizations helped cover the expense: "It was going to be $2,400 to save the dog," she said.

Commissioners and Friends spent substantial time on grant accounting. The presenters said multiple prior-year grants (including Petco-supported grants) were awarded to the county and remain under county control. County staff (Miss Berry, referenced during discussion) must verify that reimbursements and expenditures align with each grant's award letter; Friends committed to sit down with county finance staff to reconcile spreadsheets and award documentation so eligible funds can be used for floor, medical and spay/neuter expenses.

A central operational issue discussed was repair work in the shelter's back kennels. Friends and shelter staff described photos showing FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) panels being installed after paint products previously used began peeling under heavy cleaning with hot water and chlorine. Friends say a contractor (identified in the meeting materials as Mr. Lowry) sent a letter asking that the shelter give 48 hours' notice before entering the worksite; Friends said at least once staff and dogs were locked out of the back building. County staff said restrictions were implemented after a private citizen was brought into an active work area and stressed contractor liability concerns, but agreed to correct an instance where the whole building had been locked rather than only the active work area.

Contractor and county representatives explained adhesion problems: the original coating sealed pores in the block walls and prevented new coatings from bonding, which led to FRP panel installation on the state inspector's recommendation. County staff said three FRP panels are currently installed and said if the adhesive does not hold they can pin or screw panels as a secondary solution. The manager's office reiterated the project's target reopening date of March 1.

In discussion, commissioners asked for documentation showing grant balances and the Friends pledged transparency and cooperation with county finance to produce a reconciled spreadsheet of what remains available. Several commissioners thanked the Friends for their service and detailed reporting.

The board did not take any formal action on funding at the meeting; county staff committed to follow up on grant reconciliation, to correct the overbroad site restriction, and to continue oversight of contractor progress. The Friends reiterated willingness to provide additional financial detail on request and to work with county staff to ensure grant-eligible expenses are properly documented.