1992 - 04-20-92 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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En3. 1=9 F,,~ 5$1 To: Lee County Commissioners . April 15, 1992 From: San-Lee Humane Society, Inc. We appreciate the confidence you have shown in the Humane Society through your continued financial support. It allows us to provide a needed service to the citizenry.of Lee County while continuing our commitment to our first priority and concern - the animals. At this time, it is our pleasure to report to you, the County Commissioners that we have met many of our goals. We have completed this fiscal year within.budget and at a per animal cost to you of $13.87. The total per animal cost was $23.69 which represents a total increase of only $2.68 per animal since 1988. In surveying humane societies in four sister counties, we found an average per animal cost of $28.46. We are operating efficiently. We believe this cost efficiency is due to several factors: an experienced Board of Directors, a committed team of hard-working shelter employees and lastly, good fortune. (Two benefacfors made sizeable contributions to the Society within the past year.) We regret to report to the County of one goal toward which we have thus far been less than successful; reducing the unwanted animal population: coming through the Shelter. (Please see attached chart of annual admissions.) All data indicates this goal can only be accomplished through public education and a vigorous enforceable spay/neutar program. At the present we have no funds and limited manpower for such an ambitious undertaking, although we continue toward this goal. We are proud and grateful to our shelter staff and the media, for our increase in public relation spots- TV, radio and the Sanford Herald. If more could be accomplished in this area, it would certainly translate into real dollar savings for all of us. Now, however, new goals must be established for the future in order to continue the efficiency with which we have operated. The most immediateis dealing with this enlarging animal population and the associated expenses. The 5% cost of living increase per our contract is requested as well as an increase to $15.00 per emergency to cover our cost of this service. Additionally, your thoughtful consideration to a base increase of $675.00 per month is requested to help cover what will most certainly be expenses not included in our current budget: 1. Our building is aging and will be in need of more repairs. 2. We have no reserve for emergencies. 3. The expected rise in overhead will exceed the 5% increase as explained. 4. There are no more generous benefactors on the immediate horizon. In summary, staying ahead of the rising population of unwanted animals in Lee County, with our present facilities and resources will require additional funding. We are asking you to conti 11~Jn~ to share this responsiblity with us. 4pF 9 n.