Already facing an uncertain future thanks to talk of privatization, the Southampton Town Animal Shelter has been left out of Supervisor Linda Kabot’s proposed 2010 budget, a move that could save the town about $1 million next year.
The proposed $78.8 million budget for next year includes 48 layoffs and proposes no funding for the animal shelter in 2010. The nine full-time shelter employees, who were informed of the situation last week, would be laid off effective January 1, 2010, if the budget is approved as is.
In the meantime, Town Councilwoman Anna Throne-Holst said the town has received bids from two parties, only one of which is interested in taking over the management and daily operations of the shelter. A request for such proposals was sent out on August 25 as a means of further exploring the option to privatize.
The first bidder, Riverhead Animal Shelter, offered to help the town raise funds for animal shelter activities, but did not offer to take over the operation and management of the site.
The second bidder was Susan Allen, a Southampton resident and philanthropist who donated more than $1.4 million to help build the shelter in 1999. Ms. Throne Holst said Ms. Allen requested a contract for $500,000 to manage and staff the shelter, an amount far beyond what the town is willing to pay, she said.
Ms. Allen could not immediately be reached for comment.
Ms. Throne-Holst said she has asked Animal Shelter Supervisor Donald Bambrick to prepare a “rescue plan” for the animal shelter’s transition into the new year.
Mr. Bambrick did not return calls for comment.
The councilwoman said she wants to work with both Ms. Allen and Riverhead Animal Shelter to improve their proposals. However, the shelter may need to close its doors and launch an adoption campaign for its hundreds of cats and dogs if the town cannot privatize the shelter soon.
“If we are forced to close the doors, we obviously need to find homes for the animals,” Ms. Throne-Holst said. “I certainly am not going to stand by and let them be euthanized.”
Bryan Finlayson on Oct 7, 2009