Pawsitive Shelter Volunteers, a Franklin nonprofit, has proposed to take over the management of the Macon County Animal Shelter from the Health Department through a contract with the county.
Meg Kremer, representing Pawsitive Shelter Volunteers, presented the proposal at the Oct. 14 Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting. The county advertised a request for proposals from organizations interested in taking on the operation of the shelter; however, the commissioners have not made a decision on whether to support the shift.
PSV is a volunteer group established to help organize necessary volunteers for the county shelter and has “consistently collaborated with county staff,” with volunteers demonstrating “extraordinary dedication to animal welfare,” according to the written proposal.
PSV says it can provide intake assessments within 24 hours, vaccinations within 72 hours, efforts to reconnect lost pets with owners, public adoption access five days per week (including Saturday), monthly adoption events, transfers with partner shelters, behavioral support, veterinary care and full documentation of animals, adoptions, incidents and revenue.
“In addition, our volunteers are already trained to provide long-term care and enrichment to the shelter animals to help alleviate the stress of being kenneled; daily walks, socialization and supervision of play groups, treats, bedding as needed … cleaning and feeding is a regular part of our volunteers’ daily tasks,” the proposal read.
The organization’s goal is to “reach the legal recognized status of a no-kill facility,” effectively by making improvements to the shelter and working with other organizations to facilitate adoptions. PSV will also maintain foster and long-term care programs.
A Facility use and Improvement Plan outlines a set of projects that will need to be completed. Renovations to the quarantine ward will give staff secure access to a quarantine area so sick animals remain as isolated as possible. A full mold evaluation and remediation project would be required to ensure volunteers are kept away from potential allergens. The remodel also would include a meet-and-greet adoption room and a volunteer lounge.
PSV projected labor costs at $173,022.26 for its first year, covering two full-time positions and three part-time positions, with the remaining $62,951.74 of the county’s contract funds being used to care for the animals. The proposal, however, said the amount wasn’t sufficient to care for the roughly 1,000 animals managed by the shelter in 2025. The proposal requested a contingency fund for emergencies while the nonprofit begins to look for grant funding sources.
Kremer, a volunteer and foster with the volunteer group, said having a nonprofit managing the shelter would broaden revenue sources.
“The beauty of that is, I believe with having a 501c3, many of these projects can be funded,” Kremer said. “Funding is limited from the county standpoint, however a 501c3 being on board and in the building can reach out for grants … we’ve already reached out and successfully obtained a grant for the spay/neuter program.”
However, Kremer said it was essential the county return Animal Services to the jurisdiction of the Sheriff’s Office, saying “Historically, that’s where it’s been. Most have it there.”
Without the added legal support, “I will not take on that responsibility,” Kremer said. “These animal control officers literally go out and risk their lives on a day-to-day basis with little or no support right now. They need the legal backing of the Sheriff’s Department behind them to do the job right.”
She suggested deputy Kelly Fosler as a candidate to take over the department, saying Fosler “would be able to, from within the Sheriff’s Department, oversee it properly and take care of these guys like they deserve.”
County Manager Warren Cabe said the full transition would take a minimum of 90 days to transfer control to PSV from the time the board makes its decision, during which time the county would draft and negotiate a contract and other required documentation.
“I think we’ve got some wrinkles to iron out,” Chair Josh Young said, “and I think we’ll be in touch.”
The next Board of Commissioners meeting is Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in the boardroom on the third floor of the Courthouse. Note this is a change in meeting dates due to Veterans Day falling on Tuesday, Nov. 11.