Allen County may provide some support for the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility, but it’s not likely to approach the $50,000 sought by supporters of the animal shelter.
Commissioner Gary McIntosh said Tuesday morning he was “thinking of something less than $50,000.”
“Zero sounds good to me,” said Commissioner Dick Works.
“My heart goes out to them, but many of the calls I’ve gotten (from constituents) were vehemently opposed” to support of the shelter, said Chairman Rob Francis. “There’s no way we could do $50,000. How much, I don’t know.
“We can’t decide on feelings,” he added. “We have to look at the facts. There may be other options (other than money) we can help with.”
In an interview with the Register last week, ACARF board members Art Chapman and Larry Macha noted about $150,000 was spent in its first year, ending July 6, for utilities, salaries, equipment and supplies and debt service on a $150,000 bank loan. Income was about $100,000, from donations, fundraisers and intake fees.
With $6,000 in the bank, Macha said the organization faced a touch-and-go financial future without an infusion of support, such as the $50,000 requested from the county.
“I (and other commissioners) don’t have an answer today,” McIntosh said. “I know they’re facing big problems,” however, “I don’t want them to have any false hope.”
Commissioners should have an answer to ACARF’s plea soon. The county budget must be prepared for publication with two weeks. A public hearing will be in mid-August.
Earlier, McIntosh said commissioners were in a parsimonious mood with the budget — which doesn’t portend well for ACARF — by “freezing salaries and not replacing employees” when openings occurred and “making any cuts we can.”
COMMISSIONERS and Sheriff Tom Williams came to an understanding that he will continue to pay deputies an incentive to serve legal papers, after commissioners denied a voucher for the incentives, which average about $300 a month, at last week’s meeting.
Accord includes Williams giving commissioners an opportunity to review potential employees before they come on board.
They agreed to an amendment to a neighborhood revitalization plan in Humboldt, which gives tax advantages to a resident who didn’t apply within the allotted time. The glitch occurred because of a misunderstanding.
Under the program, property taxes are refunded the first five years and then phased in, 20 percent a year, over the next five for new construction and substantial improvements.
Larry Tucker, Humboldt administrator, asked for the variance.
Also, he said plans for new or revamped ambulance and fire quarters should be available in a month or two. Tucker noted Humboldt was making strides in revitalizing its downtown and suggested the senior center, funded by the county, would be better left in the business district.
Dennis Gardner, Mildred mayor, said his town soon would install two sirens, given by Iola when its were upgraded. He asked if the county would help with the project. Commissioners were receptive but made no specific commitments.
Commissioners also said they would help with upkeep of the old courthouse clock on the south edge of the courthouse lawn. Financial assistance from Iola Lions has evaporated with the club’s folding. Chuck Richey, who has worked on the clock for years, made the request.
