I was out at the end of last week. The State of Kansas City/County Managers had a conference at Kansas University on the fiscal crisis, and I was flown out to represent the Alliance for Innovation. It was good but sobering to hear about measures being taken elsewhere - and how serious our State's economic downturn is by comparison.

• I've also had a couple of questions regarding general fund dollars that go to outside agencies (See the April 2nd Board Working Session webcast, or that date on the Budget Site BOC Timeline for good information on this.)  Both questions were specific about funding for the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV).

I think it's good for me to restate and clarify the decision the Board made in 2007 to increase our budgeted general fund allocation to HSHV this year to $400,000.

• • Under Michigan law, counties are responsible for licensing dogs and for providing shelter for strays and euthanizing unlicensed dogs.
  • Instead of operating its own pound and animal control agency, Washtenaw County contracted with HSHV - housing strays, providing medical care, promoting adoption and euthanizing when necessary.
  • When compared with other Michigan counties, our funding for animal control and shelter - our contract with HSHV - has been very low.  Ingham County employs 17 people and spends $1.5 million of its general fund on animal control and shelter. (See other comparisons offered in a comprehensive memorandum from HSHV to the Board in 2006.)
  • The Board agreed that the County needed to increase its annual allocation for operations. They also agreed to issue $6.5 million in bonds, paid over seven years by HSHV, to construct a new shelter on land bought by HSHV from the University of Michigan, contiguous to the present shelter site in Superior Township. A one-time payment of $1million from our capital reserves was also approved.
    
    Of course, every decision we have made and will make comes with so much information - details that can get lost over time.  After hearing from employees on this, I wanted to make sure you got some of these details again.
• Don't forget that this Friday, May 1, will kick off our month-long online Employee Recognition nomination period.  We need to remember and recognize ongoing excellence - perhaps especially now.

Have a great week, and remember you can get in touch with me personally, here as a comment, or by email.

Bob