Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into a contract with Columbus Humane to provide funding to assist with the provision of licensed humane agents to perform animal cruelty investigations within the City of Columbus. These investigations are performed in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1717 in order to protect at-risk animals in the community. Columbus Humane has increased dispatch coverage in order to help Public Safety with calls for assistance up to seven days a week. Consistent with the City's public safety efforts, Columbus Humane shall notify the appropriate legal authorities of affirmed animal abuse, neglect, and suspected abuse toward humans.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes the Public Safety Director to enter into contract with Columbus Humane to assist with animal cruelty investigations. Funds for this contract were budgeted in the Safety Director's 2024 general fund budget within the Department of Public Safety. This ordinance is contingent upon passage of the 2024 general fund operating budget via Ord. 3011-2023.
$275,000.00 was spent in 2023.
$225,000.00 was spent in 2022.
Emergency Designation: Emergency action is requested in order to allow the Department to begin making payments to Columbus Humane as soon as possible after budget passage. The first invoice is typically received in early March.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into a contract with Columbus Humane to assist in the performance of animal cruelty investigations; to authorize the expenditure of $325,000.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($325,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Safety, through its Director's Office, desires to enter into a contract with Columbus Humane; and
WHEREAS, this contract will allow for dispatch coverage by Columbus Humane to assist in the funding of licensed humane age...
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