Help us Help The Animals- Open letter to supporters

Recently you may have heard reports about discussions between the Lynchburg Humane Society and the City of Lynchburg.  As someone who cares about the well being of the pets in our community, you are important to us and our efforts.  We are writing to share information and to ask for your help.

Some fifty years ago the Lynchburg Humane Society was founded on the idea that the pets of this community mattered.   Since that early beginning the City of Lynchburg has partnered with the Humane Society to provide pound services for the community.  We feel that this has been a worthwhile partnership for the citizens of Lynchburg.

The Lynchburg Humane Society, under the leadership of its Board of Directors, is poised to take the next step in its journey to prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of animals in our City and to solve the problem of pet overpopulation.  This journey began in earnest three years ago when Makena Yarbrough was employed as our first full time Executive Director.  Under her guidance the “kill rate” in our facility has been reduced from 51% to 10%.   Preserving and building on this track record will not be possible without a new facility to replace the current city shelter that has clearly outlived its useful life and is inadequate for its intended purpose.

The Humane Society has already purchased property and we are in the final stages of planning the design and construction of a modern facility for education, adoption, and animal sheltering services as well as a future expansion of the regional spay and neuter clinic with provisions to provide veterinary services for abandoned animals.   This new facility will require a broad based community effort not only on animal adoption but also on public education and community attitudes toward pets.  Further, it will require financial support from the community to achieve this goal.

Today, the partnership between the Humane Society and the City is at an important cross road. 

Building on our long-standing relationship, we have asked the City of Lynchburg to join us in this effort.  Clearly we do not expect the taxpayers of Lynchburg to fund our expanded “No Kill” mission.  This mission is the essence of our purpose as a charitable organization.  On the other hand, it is only reasonable that the City pay for the cost the Humane Society will incur in providing “city pound” services as required by law and at the same level that city residents have expected and benefited from for many years.  

To this end, we have entered into discussions with city administrators and council members seeking support for a small portion of the construction cost of the new facility we will build and own and for the development of a long-term agreement compensating the Humane Society for the operating costs incurred in providing these “pound services” on behalf of the city.  To expect less from the City would be to ask our donors to carry costs that are the City’s responsibility. 

These discussions are complicated by several factors. 

• The city has enjoyed unrealistically low costs for pound services for a number of years.  For instance, in 2011 the City paid the Humane Society $104,500 plus utility costs for operating the city pound.  This equates to about $1.90 per capita (person).  The industry benchmark value placed on animal sheltering services is $4-$5 per capita.  Other similar Virginia cities like Roanoke pays $6.29 per capita, Charlottesville pays $5 per capita and Harrisonburg pays $4.66 per capita for pound services. 
• We are requesting a gradual increase over 3 years to reach a $5.25 per capita rate which equates to $396,735 a year in operating funds in fiscal year 2015.
• The estimated operating cost for the City to run their own pound would be around $5.53 per capita or $417,600 per year.  The current building would cost the City at least $725,000 to renovate, with continued repairs and maintenance. The Humane Society is requesting an initial investment in our new facility, by the City, of $240,000 in 2012 with a total 5 year capital investment of $675,000 for pound space in the new state of the art facility, with no further maintenance liability.
• The City budget is under considerable stress – and any increase in payment is difficult due to the poor economic conditions and cut backs in state funding. 
• Our proposal to the city is conservative compared to the costs and liability the City would incur by operating its own pound.  But, it does still represent an increase in total cost to the city over time.

Despite these complications, the Humane Society Board is convinced that the time is right to move ahead.  Either we move ahead – or the current inadequate facilities and funding will compromise all the progress we have made.  The City Manager and staff and many members of Council have expressed their interest in developing a long-term agreement with the Humane Society that meets the goals of all parties.  We appreciate their insight and support.   As a group, City Council recently voted to determine if there were any other parties that were qualified to provide pound services to the city and, if no one came forward, then enter into negotiations with the Humane Society for a long term agreement.  It remains to be seen whether the majority of Council will vote to approve an agreement that will fairly compensate us for providing the services that are mandated by law and those consistent with our operations over the years. 

What you can do now:

• Let your City Council member know how you feel about this issue.  Call, email or write Council members (see attached) to let them know that partnering with the Humane Society to compassionately care for animals is important to you as a voter.
• Explain this issue to your friends and neighbors and ask them to speak up for animals and the Humane Society as well.
• Look for additional information and contacts from us to keep you informed about our progress as plans develop.

In closing, thank you for your support and for your interest in making our community a better place for all people and pets.

Brenda Gray, President of the Board of Directors

Makena Yarbrough, Executive Director

City Council Members and City Manager contact information

H. Cary, III (at large)                       h.cary@lynchburgva.gov                       384-0495

Joan F. Foster, Mayor                    joan.foster@lynchburgva.gov                 455-3639

Michael Gillette (ward I)                michael.gillette@lynchburgva.gov           384-5322

Jeff Helgeson (ward III)                 jeff@jeffhelgeson.com                           610-7478

Ceasor Johnson, Vice Mayor       ceasor.johnson@lynchburgva.gov           401-0753

Randy Nelson (at large)                 randy.nelson@lynchburgva.gov              401-0696

Turner Perrow (ward IV)              turner.perrow@lynchburgva.gov            384-5557

Kimball Payne, City Manager      kpayne@lynchburgva.gov                        455-3990