07/06/2014
We are in URGENT need of your help. Please read below and help us get the support we need from the City of Sedona. AS OF JULY 1ST THE SHELTER NO LONGER RECEIVES FUNDING OR SUPPORT FROM THE CITY OF SEDONA.
WHY?
At the time of our contract renewal, we asked the city for $95,000, about half the cost to service the animals of the city of Sedona.
The City of Sedona declined our offer, without negotiation and insisted on a three-year contract with NO COST INCREASE for the care of the animals.
Within the contract, the City of Sedona offered to pay only 25% of the total cost per animal HSS incurs to care for them until they are adopted. This equates to $47,500 annually. They offered no increase this year with a 1.7% inflation increase for years 2 and 3.
This contract was unacceptable to the shelter because it would not allow us to continue to provide the high quality of care to Sedona residents and their pets-the type of care they want and deserve.
It is our understanding every other city service contractor received an increase with the exception of HSS. To date we have received NO response as to why we were not provided the same consideration and increase as ALL other contract services.
The City is LEGALLY required to provide animal sheltering services. Without negotiating or conversation and with YOUR TAX DOLLARS the City of Sedona will now have to contract with a facility OUTSIDE OF SEDONA to provide animal care services to Sedona residents and now will no longer support YOUR shelter.
We hope you find this as unacceptable as we do.
HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU.
All strays and owner surrenders will need to go to a location specified by the city UNLESS you are willing to pay a surrender fee to HSS to care for the animal.
Over the past year HSS has provided:
500 NO cost spay and neuter surgeries ($50,000 cost)
400 LOW cost spay and neuter surgeries ($20,000 cost)
220 Low cost vaccinations ($4,000 cost)
500 microchips for quicker identification of lost pets ($3,500 cost)
FeLV and FIV testing for all felines ($3,000 cost)
An increase in offsite adoption events, which has increased the live release rate to 95% (on average) vs. 84% from the prior year.
HSS will have to significantly cut back on all of these essential and life saving services for Sedona residents and their pets.
You will no longer be able to obtain a city dog license at the shelter.
WE NEED YOUR HELP.
The fundamental difference between HSS and the City is we see the shelter as an ANIMAL CARE facility, servicing all animals and residents of the community, which in fact we do.
The City views HSS as an animal control shelter, a place to drop off stray and dead animals they find.
If you believe we are an ANIMAL CARE facility and want the Humane Society of Sedona to continue to provide excellent and essential services to the citizens of our community and to animals in need, please contact a city council person and voice your support for us.
Here is a link to each city council member's contact email.
http://www.sedonaaz.gov/sedonacms/index.aspx?page=637
Or you may call 928-282-3113.
We appreciate your help and support.
Thank you.
From the staff, volunteers and Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Sedona.
