Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into a contract with the Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS) to provide funding to assist with the provision of licensed humane agents to perform animal cruelty investigations within the City of Columbus. The CAHS has increased dispatch coverage in order to help Public Safety with calls for assistance up to seven days a week. These investigations are performed in accordance with Ohio Revised Code section 1717 in order to protect at-risk animals in the community. Consistent with the city’s public safety efforts, CAHS shall notify the appropriate legal authorities of affirmed animal abuse and neglect and suspected abuse toward humans.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds for this contract were budgeted at $200,000.00 in the Safety Director's 2016 General Fund Budget within the Department of Public Safety. The City contracted with CAHS for $219,000.00 in 2013 and 2014 and for $200,000.00 in 2015. This ordinance is contingent on the passage of the 2016 General Fund Budget by City Council.
Emergency action is requested in order to continue seven day dispatch coverage without interruption.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into a contract with the Capital Area Humane Society to assist in the funding of licensed humane agents for the purpose of conducting animal cruelty investigations within the City of Columbus for the protection of at-risk animals in the community, to authorize the expenditure of $200,000.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($200,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Safety, through its Director's Office, desires to enter into a contract with the Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS); and
WHEREAS, this contract will allow for dispatch coverage by the Capital Area Humane Society and will assist in the funding of licensed humane agents for the purpose of conducting animal crue...
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