A proposed price tag was discussed with the Jefferson City Council that the City could financially contribute toward the construction of the Greene County Animal Facility.

At their regular meeting this past Tuesday, City Administrator Mike Palmer said the City could bond for up to $400,000 without having to hold a special election. He mentioned that the amount of money would go against the City’s tax levy rate. 

“We had that looked at what it would do to our tax levy, which would move it up about $0.25 per $1,000 (property valuation). On the other hand, we did talk our debt levy was going down anyway. Last year it was $2.71 per $1,000 (and) this year (next fiscal year) it’s predicted to be about $2.20. If we add the animal shelter on it, it would come up to about $2.50.”

Resident Jeff Cunningham voiced concerns to the Council about the project. He said he was unsure about the city taxpayers having to possibly pay a large chunk of the over $1 million facility and asked about additional reductions, such as the overall square footage and the number of cages to hold the animals. 

“If we have a $1.2 million building that’s owned by the City at what point then do we have a new city position that’s going to have to be paid for as well, with benefits. So that concerns me in the long run as well.”

Council member Dave Sloan responded to the city position with hopes that the volunteers with the People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) would continue with those responsibilities. The Council rejected the original bids on the project, due to the lowest bid being over $1 million, and only having $600,000 raised through donations and pledges. 

 

The Council decided to review the overall plans for the project before it goes back out for bid later this spring.