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Animal Services Advisory Board March 18, 2009 Meeting--Approved Minutes Page 2 FY09/10 Budget Update—Bob Marotto provided members with two documents in reference to the budget. One is an email from County Manager, Laura Blackmon announcing her resignation and it addresses the budget situation that Orange County is currently facing. A significant factor is that the amount of revenue shortfalls for the fiscal year is higher than anticipated at approximately $8.7 million. Ms. Blackmon announced there would be no cost of living or merit increases this year for staff. The county would also have to find ways to cover a projected increase of 8% in the cost of healthcare. The Commissioners and Managers are committed to doing everything that can reasonably be done not to lay off staff. Mr. Marotto also reviewed a Summary Sheet developed to present to the Board of Commissioners through the Managers Office for Animal Services at a work session earlier this month on the budget and 10% reductions, approximately $43,000.00. Included are service reductions and savings associated with the move to the new Animal Services Center. The Managers along with the Commissioners are reviewing this information. Mr. Nelson added that the 8.7 million shortfalls may not be all of it but until the State Legislature finishes their budget process we cannot say for sure if that number will increase. ASAB Committee Status Reports— Dangerous Task Force—The committee held one meeting this month and the main topic of discussion was how to restrain animals in a secure way that not only protects them but the citizens of Orange County and in a cost effective way. Ms. Sanford reported that a draft would be prepared for the board to review. Mr. Marotto requested that we coordinate in terms of how the initial version is received by staff in order to provide feedback prior to a working document coming to this board for review. It would also be helpful to staff to project some type of time frame. Potentially Dangerous Dog Appeal—Jean Austin reported that there have been no meetings held since the February 4, 2009 hearing. Ms. Austin did say that the appeals process is getting refined as each case is heard and that the techniques used are improving. Mr. Marotto did report that the last case had interesting jurisdictional issues. Both parties lived in Orange County but someone who lived in Chatham County made the report. One issue that emerged was that the event occurred on a Private Road and the question asked was, is it off the owner’s property if it is on a Private Road. At the end, the declaration was reversed two to one not because of this issue but because there was not a sufficient amount of evidence to justify the facts that lead to the declaration based on the dogs behavior. Spay/Neuter Committee—Pat Sanford reported that the committee has ask staff to review the Strategic Spay Neuter Plan and they would like to vote on it at the April ASAB meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 23rd at 6:00 p.m. The Orange County Animal Shelter’s stats are one of the best stats in North Carolina. Ms. Sanford believes that that low numbers