NAWILIWILI — Kaua‘i Humane Society officials on Monday asked the County Council for an 8.4 percent increase in funding for next fiscal year, which starts July 1, plus money to buy a new truck. If approved, KHS would receive $50,000
NAWILIWILI — Kaua‘i Humane Society officials on Monday asked the County Council for an 8.4 percent increase in funding for next fiscal year, which starts July 1, plus money to buy a new truck.
If approved, KHS would receive $50,000 more than last year’s funding for animal care and control services and $5,000 more for the spay and neuter program, plus $40,000 for a new truck.
“Our vehicle fleet is quite decrepit and old,” KHS President Laura Wiley said.
In FY11, KHS received $595,000 for services and $60,000 for the spay and neuter program in county funding.
Wiley said KHS projected to end the current fiscal year with a $227,000 operational loss. But thanks to a last minute and substantial donation specifically for the spay and neuter program the nonprofit’s loss will be reduced to $27,000.
However, even if the council approves the requested funding increase, the operational loss for FY12 is projected at $283,200.
Council Chair Jay Furfaro said the council may be unable to revisit the KHS request until May, after the state Legislature wraps up. Decisions at the Legislature could affect the county budget, especially if the county’s expected share of the transient accommodations tax is reduced.
Since Dr. Becky Rhoades abruptly quit in September, after serving 10 years as the organization’s executive director, a replacement has not been hired.
Orianna Skomoroch has since been serving as interim executive director. Wiley said they almost hired a replacement at the beginning of the year, but their choice fell through. For now KHS is focusing its efforts on its annual fundraising dinner, she said.
