NEWS ARCHIVE

(Clinton) -- Monday there was the story about the mayor's veto of the new contract approved by the council with the Humane Society-KROS NEWS has the latest from both sides on what happens now

The Clinton Humane Society is – not- taking any animals from the city of Clinton or citizens after the veto of the contract that had been approved by the council. Operations Manager Sandy Bartels tells KROS they believe that ended the contract for services.

The new contract increased the subsidy provided by the city from $65.000 to $120,000. In his veto message Mayor Mark Vulich called that outrageous and unrealistic. In his veto message, Vulich was critical of the Humane Society’s unwillingness to negotiate and apparently had no concern for the impact on the city budget and citizens. The mayor also vetoed a measure that established a committee that was to discuss a new deal with the Humane Society proposed by Ed O’Neil representing the Humane Society. Vulich wrote that he did not believe the city would save money under that proposal. Both messages can be seen in links in the original story on the web page.

The mayor also wrote that a proposal from a local veterinarian to provide the mandated services for $40,000 or $80,000 less than the Humane Society should not be ignored. But no contract has been considered.

The animal control department is part of the police department and Police Chief Brian Guy informed KROS NEWS - The Interim City Administrator, City Attorney and he- are looking at what limited options the city has. Until some type of resolution is reached, the police chief stated the department is only handling calls of dangerous animals, dogs at large, and dog bite cases.

Bartels, at the Humane Society said they don’t know where the animals will be taken. She said they have had calls today from citizens about where to take stray animals. Bartels also said the Humane Society has contacted they city about picking up ‘a few’ animals that were being held for the city. The shelter keeps animals 3 to 4 days for the city and then they become the shelter’s so Bartels said there just a few animals under the city paid days.

Bartels said they are taking animals from cities where they have a contract and that includes Camanche, Charlotte, Preston, Grand Mound Wheatland and Morrison, Illinois. She said they are requiring a Drivers License to insure anyone dropping off an animal does live in those communities.

Bartels said they hope the situation is resolved and they hope for the best for the citizens and the animals.

Humane Society representatives say citizens should call the council members and mayor if they have a concern and questions.

Written 2/5/2013 by Dave Vickers - KROS News

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