UPDATE (June 15, 2020): The Monroe County Animal Shelter and animal control said they are now encouraged after they stared down the possibility of being defunded and having to close.
On Monday, supporters of the shelter gathered outside a Monroe County budget workshop meeting to voice their opposition to a proposed budget that would completely defund the shelter in the coming fiscal year.
Following public outcry, Monroe County Mayor Mitch Ingram proposed a modified appropriation of $225,000 for the shelter Monday night, which is lower than previous years. Monroe County Friends of Animals president Jim Barrett said that, while lower, that amount would allow the shelter and animal control to continue operating should the commission approve the amended budget.
"We want to thank the mayor for coming back with this new proposal that allows us to keep the shelter open. Our hope is that the commission votes to accept his proposal next Tuesday when they vote on the budget," he said.
Barrett said the ultimate goal in the future is to build a new shelter, as the current shelter won't be available for long-term use. In 2019, the commission passed a resolution recognizing the need to build a new shelter and to support efforts to raise money.
Original Story
The Monroe County Animal Shelter and animal control in the county are facing an uncertain future as local leaders prepare to vote a budget that would completely defund the two organizations.
The Monroe County Friends of Animals shelter said the move would effectively close both organizations, leaving the county without animal control to pick up strays or a place to surrender animals.
"The question is can the shelter continue to function without county funding and the answer is no," veterinarian Angela Barry said.
The MCFA said it was not asked for input during the budget process and heard about the proposal a few days ago. It said the defunding is not driven by a lack of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is asking for help to convince leaders to reconsider.
The group met at the Justice Center on Monday to show their disapproval to the move, saying the commission budget workshop agreed to meet again next week to consider options.
"Not only do they want to close this shelter down, but they also want to close animal control in this county. Completely defund it," MCFA president Jim Barrett said.
The shelter said it takes in nearly 2,000 animals each year.
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the budget on June 23.