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Commissioner Carey said that he is not saying that we cannot decide to take over as of <br />July 1St. He would like to know what he is paying for, and what the costs are going to be <br />directly related to the policies, and this is unclear to him right now. <br />Chair Brown said that we are still putting off a decision and we are just furthering this <br />a ut. <br />Chair Brown verified that Commissioner Carey wants to pass this but without <br />instructions to the Manager and to postpone the decision until there is more information. <br />She thought this time was to allow the Manager to come up with his organization <br />recommendations far a new County department. If the Board does not give him that <br />instruction tonight, then he will not pursue it. <br />Commissioner Jacobs suggested adding to the motion a stipulation as follows: "with the <br />intention that the County will take primary responsibility for operation of the animal <br />shelter by July 1, 2004." He is willing to use these words, but not to commit to an extra <br />$1.2 million and a new department and staff without studying it. He is willing to make a <br />commitment to take the primary responsibility. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said that he would be fine with that. He said that the Board was <br />not privy to haw this additional cast would be played out. He said that the County has <br />nothing to lose at this paint. <br />Commissioner Jacobs wants alternative scenarios where the County takes primary <br />responsibility and by July 1, 2004 they will have all of the information and the Manager <br />will be ready to implement it. Chair Brawn asked what would be implemented. <br />Commissioner Carey said that it is on the County Commissioners' back to instruct the <br />Manager. The Board has to make the final decision. <br />John Link said that if the Board indicates to him that they expect him and his staff to <br />come back with methods by which the County would be carrying out the operation of the <br />animal shelter as a public function by July 1St, this is all that needs to be said. He said <br />that this could include any number of variations volunteers, non-profits, etc.). It can be <br />identified as a public function to be carried out by Orange County by July 1St under the <br />responsibility of the Manager. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said that the County talked about taking over solid waste for <br />three years and there was not unanimity of the Board. The Board has gotten beyond <br />that and it is moving along nicely. He said that it is time to decide and to take on this <br />challenge. He suggested using Commissioner Jacobs' language in the motion. <br />Commissioner Gordon would prefer the way John Link described it for them to direct <br />staff to come back with alternatives for Orange County carrying out animal shelter <br />ape rations as a public operation. She said that this is not mandated and she wants to <br />