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Independence, MO —
Jackson County officials say their posting of a new “request for proposals” to run the soon-to-open Regional Animal Shelter in Independence is meant to bring them more information.
For now, they stressed Monday, the 2009 contract with the city of Independence to run the shelter remains in effect.
“As we stand here today, nothing’s changed,” County Executive Mike Sanders told county legislators.
Two weeks ago the Legislature asked for another round of proposals, and Sanders said he expects at least one to come in by the deadline this Friday. Independence City Manager Robert Heacock, pointing to the 2009 agreement, indicated last week that the city doesn’t see a need to bid a second time.
County officials say they’ll need a couple of weeks to look over any proposals, and one with promise could lead to negotiations for a contract to run the $5.5 million shelter on Missouri 78 just east Metropolitan Community College-Blue River.
“It is a wonderful facility, and we can’t wait to house some animals out there,” said Legislature Chairman Dan Tarwater, D-Kansas City.
Sanders stressed that the county has built the $5.5 million the shelter and isn’t putting in any more county taxpayer money.
“Within the framework of revenue neutral, we’re willing to entertain anything that this body might want to do,” Sanders told legislators.
As outlined in the 2009 agreement, the plan all along was for the county to build the shelter – replacing the city’s Vista Drive shelter, about one-quarter the size – and the city would run it. Months ago the city put that up for bid, got only one bid from a non-profit, rejected that as far too high, and decided to run the facility itself.
But two related sticking points have emerged. One is keeping euthanasia rates low enough that the new shelter would have a “no-kill” status – often described as 10 percent or fewer of the animals coming in the door, a level the city says it’s actually achieved this year at the Vista Drive shelter.
The second issue is county concerns about whether the city’s is putting enough money and other resources into what is a much larger facility than it currently runs. Just as county officials say they have put up $5.5 million already and any new plan has to be revenue neutral for county taxpayers, Heacock says the city has pressing needs of its own and the City Council has set a firm financial line it will not cross.
Legislator Theresa Garza-Ruiz asked what would happen should the county drop its contract with the city. County Counselor W. Stephen Nixon said that’s a matter to discuss behind closed doors, as it could involve litigation. Legislators plan such a discussion next Monday, but Sanders stressed that that also is just for elected officials’ information and is no indication that they’re about to take any drastic action on the 2009 agreement.
Jackson County officials say their posting of a new “request for proposals” to run the soon-to-open Regional Animal Shelter in Independence is meant to bring them more information.
For now, they stressed Monday, the 2009 contract with the city of Independence to run the shelter remains in effect.
“As we stand here today, nothing’s changed,” County Executive Mike Sanders told county legislators.
Two weeks ago the Legislature asked for another round of proposals, and Sanders said he expects at least one to come in by the deadline this Friday. Independence City Manager Robert Heacock, pointing to the 2009 agreement, indicated last week that the city doesn’t see a need to bid a second time.
County officials say they’ll need a couple of weeks to look over any proposals, and one with promise could lead to negotiations for a contract to run the $5.5 million shelter on Missouri 78 just east Metropolitan Community College-Blue River.
“It is a wonderful facility, and we can’t wait to house some animals out there,” said Legislature Chairman Dan Tarwater, D-Kansas City.
Sanders stressed that the county has built the $5.5 million the shelter and isn’t putting in any more county taxpayer money.
“Within the framework of revenue neutral, we’re willing to entertain anything that this body might want to do,” Sanders told legislators.
As outlined in the 2009 agreement, the plan all along was for the county to build the shelter – replacing the city’s Vista Drive shelter, about one-quarter the size – and the city would run it. Months ago the city put that up for bid, got only one bid from a non-profit, rejected that as far too high, and decided to run the facility itself.
But two related sticking points have emerged. One is keeping euthanasia rates low enough that the new shelter would have a “no-kill” status – often described as 10 percent or fewer of the animals coming in the door, a level the city says it’s actually achieved this year at the Vista Drive shelter.
The second issue is county concerns about whether the city’s is putting enough money and other resources into what is a much larger facility than it currently runs. Just as county officials say they have put up $5.5 million already and any new plan has to be revenue neutral for county taxpayers, Heacock says the city has pressing needs of its own and the City Council has set a firm financial line it will not cross.
Legislator Theresa Garza-Ruiz asked what would happen should the county drop its contract with the city. County Counselor W. Stephen Nixon said that’s a matter to discuss behind closed doors, as it could involve litigation. Legislators plan such a discussion next Monday, but Sanders stressed that that also is just for elected officials’ information and is no indication that they’re about to take any drastic action on the 2009 agreement.
