This is the first article I have found. I will be looking for more. The point is to make the public aware of the amount of funding that is provided for this "for profit" organization. YOUR TAX DOLLARS. Is this what you want to be paying for? If not, then this is why we need voters to register with organizations such as AVRAL. It is my understanding in the past that BJC received annual funding around a MILLION dollars, 55% from the city and 45% from the county. I am not sure what is going on now, but I will get back with you on this.
Birmingham City Council
approves BJC Animal Control Contract
Leaving county partnership debated
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
BARNETT WRIGHT and JOSEPH D. BRYANT
News staff writers
The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved a $93,893 payment to the BJC Animal Control shelter after a lengthy debate about the facility's conditions, how much the city pays for the service and whether Birmingham should form its own animal control department.
The city's payment will continue service through the end of June.
BJC Animal Control Services has run the shelter for the city and county since 1997. The two governments have an agreement to shelter stray dogs and cats.
Council President Carole Smitherman, Steven Hoyt and Valerie Abbott suggested either forming an animal control division or seeking an independent contract solely for the city, rather than partnering with the county, which pays for 35 percent of the costs.
"We're paying 65 percent of the cost now which is outrageous," Abbott said. "We're only getting half of the service, and we only want to pay half of the cost."
The city in 2007 had discussed discontinuing its partnership with the county for the animal control service and pursuing other options independently.
however, Mayor Larry Langford and other council members urged the funding, saying a delay could mean a loss in animal control services. That's a dangerous prospect given the number of vicious dogs loose in the city, said Councilwoman Carol Duncan.
"We can't do without the service while we're working on a new service," she said "This is dangerous."
Meanwhile, county officials say they've received complaints about inhumane and unsanitary conditions at the facility.
Sharon Evans, legislative assistant to Jefferson County Commissioner Jim Carns, said Tuesday that residents continue to call Carns' office with concerns about animal treatment at BJC Animal Control.
Earlier this year, Evans and Jeanette Brabston, another member of Carns' staff, issued a press release describing what they said were concerns during their visit to BJC Animal Control facility....
Published on March 4, 2009, Birmingham News (AL)
Council signs animal control contract
MIDFIELD
The Midfield City Council has approved a new service contract with BJC Animal Control Services, although some council members expressed concern over the cost of the service.
''One hundred-fifteen dollars an hour is a lot of money. I wish we could find a cheaper service,''said Council member Velma Johnson.
The $115 is for unscheduled visits when BJC is called to the city. Regularly monthly visits are set at (archived article, have to pay to see whole article.)
Complete Article, 283 words ($2.95)
