NorthwestFebruary 13, 2004

David Buford

The Clarkston Public Safety Committee decided to hold off on a recommendation on who should run the city's animal shelter after a meeting Thursday night.

The committee told Tami McReynolds of the Lewis-Clark Animal Shelter it wouldn't make a decision until more facts and figures could be rounded up, said Clarkston City Councilman John Smith.

"We've got to provide this service," Smith said. "Somehow, some way, we've got to find a way to provide this service, whether it be through the animal shelter, or we have to provide it ourselves."

City officials dug into some specifics about the proposed contract, such as how the monthly $2,500 cost compares with Lewiston, and how veterinarian bills work out after hours.

Lewiston pays about $6,000 a month for the same service.

Committee members were concerned the city would be responsible for picking up the tab for after-hours vet bills.

Councilman Marc Hunt asked about access to the shelter with security required by the Homeland Security Act. The shelter is near the city's wastewater treatment plant.

McReynolds said the small outfit doesn't have much money to spend on major improvements.

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"I think that when there's a service needed badly and the people want it bad enough, we can find ways to work it out," she said.

But other concerns, such as enforcement costs and comparative costs of city control, will need more research, said Councilman Terry Beadles.

McReynolds approached the Clarkston City Council with the proposal a few weeks ago. Other volunteer groups talked about similar proposals for about a year, but this was the first to come through with a written proposal, he said.

"We would like to know all the options and know what's the best one for the city," he said.

The committee will meet next month to discuss the findings and will eventually make a recommendation to the full city council.

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Buford maybe contacted at dbuford@lmtribune.com

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