Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
satisfaction and 16 have made suggestions for improvement. The suggestions for improvement <br /> include <br /> • better signs to direct the public to the animals <br /> • a quiet area to visit with the dogs <br /> • extended hours <br /> • lower adoption costs <br /> • increase staff to handle busy hours <br /> • a veterinarian available for questions <br /> • easier spay/neuter schedules <br /> • allow animals to go home prior to surgery <br /> • increase PetSmart adoptions. <br /> The Shelter Committee is taking the suggestions under consideration and has also scheduled <br /> members of the Chapel Hill Dispute Resolution Center to conduct training for our staff on <br /> handling conflicts and improving people skills. <br /> Currently the Board of Commissioners is receiving complaints directly from some citizens <br /> regarding the animal shelter. These citizens have not made any effort to resolve their concerns <br /> through the animal shelter but instead are going directly to you and local news media. Because <br /> the APS has in place a process to deal with all complaints, the APS Board recommends that <br /> County Commissioners refer these citizens to the animal shelter for resolution. This is the only <br /> way that we can deal directly and effectively with complaints and meet the needs of the public <br /> fairly. <br /> Attached is a financial report on all APS expenses in regards to operation of the animal shelter. <br /> While the County subsidizes operations at$428,818,APS contributes an additional $573, 675, <br /> made possible by generous donations from the community, through grants, and income from <br /> programs, which allows us to provide the community with services and programs that would <br /> otherwise be unaffordable. In addition, we are including as an attachment a cost estimate of <br /> everything owned by APS that we have provided for the animal shelter. Replacement value of <br /> APS owned assets relating to animal shelter operations would be $279,841. Total annual <br /> operating expenses and assets equals$1,282,335. In 1990, APS also contributed $60,000 for <br /> shelter improvements that allowed construction of a multipurpose room, office and bathroom. <br /> The fact that APS is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit charitable organization further assists us in receiving <br /> donations of money, food, and other necessary items needed on a daily basis at the animal <br /> shelter. The value of these donations is approximately$35,000 per year. Volunteers donate <br /> approximately 26,000 hours each year. The future of APS is stable as there are financial <br /> bequests, wills, and endowments that will be coming to term over the next 50 years. This <br /> stability is important as the APS Board plans for the future and reviews the priorities on a <br /> continuing basis. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the County to duplicate <br /> APS programs and support. <br /> Also attached is a survey of surrounding county animal shelters. Upon review, it is clear that the <br /> Orange County/APS partnership is a leader in shelter operations and adoption programs. We <br /> offer 24 hour Emergency Animal Response Service (EARS), foster care programs, veterinary <br />