Discussions about the LCSO/LCAS merger began in March, 2014. LCSO knew they were taking over in June, over five months ago. And yet, here we sit, without a Shelter Director, without a Rescue Coordinator. In the private sector, that alone would be grounds for dismissal. Daily Commercial, June 3, 2014 But the public criticism is only a partial reason for the resignations, county officials said, pointing to funding issues that kept the county from hiring a field supervisor and rescue coordinator to help take the pressure off the director. County commissioners agreed in a meeting on March 11 to delay funding those positions until Oct. 1. Borders said if the sheriff’s office oversees Animal Services it would use inmate labor for many tasks currently done by Animal Service employees. “We would take current employees, reassign positions and fill some of the positions needed out there without adding to the budget,” he said, referring specifically to the rescue coordinator position. While there would not be a cost savings when looking at the bottom dollar, Borders said he would be able to fill critical positions without costing the county more money. Daily Commercial, June 10, 2014 Borders said filling the rescue coordinator position is paramount. “It is our goal to utilize the position of the rescue coordinator to assist in the reduction of the animal shelter population,” he said. “The rescue coordinator would immediately begin to work with staff and rescue groups for the development of guidelines for qualifying and approving pet rescues.” That position could be filled without increasing the budget by using inmate labor for many tasks currently done by Animal Service employees, Borders said. Southlake 912 Project, June 10, 2014 Sheriff Gary Borders was asked to give a presentation to the BCC regarding a proposal that would have the Sheriff’s Department assume control of Animal Services. Sheriff Borders’ goal would be to build on the professionalism of the department. Personnel concerns would be for an Animal Services Director, a Rescue Coordinator, use of volunteers from the community, and the use of inmate labor. With regard to the Rescue Coordinator, Sheriff Borders believes that this is a critical position and has seen it in action in other counties. Lake Sentinel, June 11, 2014 As for Animal Services, Borders said he wants to hire a rescue coordinator to help find homes for animals at the shelter, which hosts some 8,400 cats and dogs yearly. Animal advocates for months have pressured county leaders to create a rescue position while blasting shelter managers for relying too much on euthanasia. News 13, June 11, 2014 Borders said he’ll be able to hire a coordinator to work with rescue groups without increasing the budget by using inmate labor at the shelter. Sun Sentinel, June 12, 2014 Borders told Commissioners at their regular meeting that he wants to reduce euthanasias at the animal shelter, hire an animal rescue coordinator and create a mobile clinic to spay and neuter pets. Daily Commercial, October 15, 2014 The Sheriff’s Office is in the process of hiring a rescue coordinator who will be solely responsible for building relationships with rescue groups and promoting adoptions, Borders said. This position is critical, according to the Sheriff’s Office. From The Daily Commercial: Commissioner Leslie Campione had proposed funding for a full-time rescue coordinator at the Feb. 25 commission meeting to cut down on costs of housing animals at the shelter, which would reduce the number of animals euthanized. It is estimated that it costs $15 a day to house an animal at the shelter, according to local officials. If the $36,500 rescue coordinator position is funded, Commissioner Campione previously said there could be savings of about $150,000 per year to the county. Campione said she did not understand how the commission did not make the connection about how the rescue coordinator would save money. “This position is so unique,” she said. “It moves our animals out of the shelter into the facilities to get adopted. Rarely do you ask to spend money to save money.” Commission Chairman Jimmy Conner said he did not feel it was responsible to fund the two shelter positions through reserves. Upset yet? [email protected]
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:53:52 +0000
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