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M <br />5) The Society submitted a realistic formula with its funding request for 199495, based <br />on an actual animal count. Such a formula would clarify not only our financial position <br />each year, but would assist the County in future budget preparation and service needs as <br />well. <br />In response to the above concerns, County Staff suggested meeting with us in the fall to <br />further ��tr!;z our finan L Mc:tuation and expressed some interest in working on a <br />formula before next year's budget hearings. While this is definitely a step in the right <br />direction, Staff made it clear that they thought any likelihood of closing the financial gap <br />this year would be remote. <br />The Board of the Humane Society cannot stress strongly enough the immediate urgency <br />of our County funding dilemma and the fact that, without greater financial relies; the <br />Sodety may well be forced to contemplate a decrease in animal services to the County. . <br />Sincerely, <br />Joan Carlson <br />Executive Director <br />Joan Carlson, executive director of the Humane Society of Vero <br />Beach, stressed the critical situation for providing services to <br />the County and urged the Board to reconsider additional funding for <br />the 1994-95 budget year. <br />Commissioner Eggert noted that a new State law goes into <br />effect October 1, 1994 requiring people to buy cat and dog licenses <br />when the animals get their annual rabies vaccinations. She asked <br />if that new revenue would alleviate the situation. <br />Mrs. Carlson felt it will take several years to attain a <br />substantial increase in revenues. She explained that the Humane <br />Society receives $1 for every license sold, but only 500 licenses <br />were sold this year. <br />Emergency Services Director Doug Wright anticipated <br />substantial changes in revenue. Presently, veterinarians give a <br />copy of a certificate of vaccination to a pet owner. Under the new <br />law, a copy also will be provided to the County's Animal Control <br />Department, which will provide better monitoring of licensing. We <br />will know if an animal has been vaccinated and has not obtained a <br />license. <br />David Radabough, administrative assistant at the Humane <br />Society, advised that there are 25,000 cats and dogs in Indian <br />River County, which is 1.67 animals per household. Over 6,000 <br />animals go through the facility in one year's time. Of those, 60 <br />owl <br />August 2, 1994 <br />moK 93 Fr,,r 13 <br />