Nice start, News and Tribune: C'mon, non-transparent Gahan, turn over the animal shelter fur-nances.

No sooner than I rake them over the coals for refusing to shine a beam on our-ever secretive ruling clique, than out comes a flashlight.

That wasn't so hard, was it?

Shall we all file FOIA requests in tandem, and cause Jeffrey and Shane to sweat a bit as they plot delays, refusals and roadblocks?

OUR OPINION: Turn over shelter finances

NA-FC Shelter finances are needed to move forward in funding dispute.

At a $25 million company, it would be fairly simple for an executive to walk over to the chief financial officer's office and get income and expenses for individual departments at the business.

That should be the case as well in New Albany — a city with an annual budget of about $25 million — but for some reason the city controller's office is holding onto the financial documents for the local animal shelter like they were money.

As a result, the Floyd County Council and county Auditor Scott Clark are suing the city of New Albany for release of the financial records of the New Albany-Floyd County Animal Shelter.

The suit comes as the city and county continue to debate funding for the shelter, with the county claiming it does not know how much money it should be contributing via interlocal agreement because it can't determine the amount being spent by the shelter ...

A mockery of transparency, but Gahan finally coughs up animal shelter finance hairball.

Because who wants a CPA handling the records when a political functionary will do?

But shouldn't the header read, "City hands over New Albany-Floyd County Animal Shelter financial records?"

New Albany-Floyd County Animal Shelter hands over financial records, Jerod Clapp (All About Clark County)

NEW ALBANY — After more than three months, the City of New Albany turned over financial records from the New Albany-Floyd County Animal Shelter to the News and Tribune.

On Oct. 19, the newspaper submitted an open records request to the office of the city controller,
Linda Moeller, for the same financial information requested by the Floyd County auditor, Scott Clark. His office received its information last week.

The auditor’s request stems from a dispute on how much the county pays into the shelter’s budget versus what it gets back in revenues from it.

The records are from 2012 to 2013 and include more than 1,800 pages of finance information. In an interview earlier this week, Clark said the information he received last week was also voluminous and would take some time to comb through.

“I was glad that they finally, after seven months, gave us the information,” he said.

Animal Shelter finances: So, what else is Jeff Gahan unwilling to tell us?

Last week, NAC mapped it.

Secrets that they keep: Team Gahan to be sued for non-transparency in county records request.

The county pays its share of animal shelter upkeep to the city, which deposits the money and pays the bills. But the agreement as written is vague as to percentages of the tithe versus actual expenses, and there isn't a dedicated bank account. County money disappears into the city's general fund.

All (Scott) Clark seems to be asking is to see the record of expenditures.

On the third floor, as ever, the wagons are circled. I was among those in favor of the parks department split, on the grounds of county non-support. However, doubts have long since crept into the narrative, and not only because of Team Gahan's TIF-fueled parks spending spree (entirely unmentioned during the 2011 mayoral campaign).

The county has a convincing case in the animal shelter funding imbroglio -- and Gahan's refusal to release information merely enhances it.

Meanwhile, the newspaper's reasoning is impeccable.

OUR OPINION: Turn over shelter finances (News and Tribune editorial)

... We're not disputing that the controller's office is a busy place. But "we're busy" isn't an acceptable response for delaying or denying a public records request as basic as this one.

We contend that without a clear financial picture of the NA-FC animal shelter, determining how it will be funded moving forward will remain cloudy.

Secrets that they keep: Team Gahan to be sued for non-transparency in county records request.

I'll never understand how the newspaper determines its photo accompaniment to articles like this. Floyd County's auditor (Scott Clark) and New Albany's controller (Linda Moeller) feature prominently, and the crux of the story is funding the animal shelter.

Consequently, the photo shows Matt Oakley, president of the county council, whose name appears one solitary time near the end. You'd think there'd be a file photo of a dog or cat.

Meanwhile, this move has been on the agenda for a while. The county pays its share of animal shelter upkeep to the city, which deposits the money and pays the bills. But the agreement as written is vague as to percentages of the tithe versus actual expenses, and there isn't a dedicated bank account. County money disappears into the city's general fund.

All Clark seems to be asking is to see the record of expenditures.

On the third floor, as ever, the wagons are circled. I was among those in favor of the parks department split, on the grounds of county non-support. However, doubts have long since crept into the narrative, and not only because of Team Gahan's TIF-fueled parks spending spree (entirely unmentioned during the 2011 mayoral campaign).

The county has a convincing case in the animal shelter funding imbroglio -- and Gahan's refusal to release information merely enhances it.

When does the arrogance stop?

Let's make a date for November 3, shall we?

Floyd County Council plans to file suit against New Albany, by Jerod Clapp (N and T)

FLOYD COUNTY — Following a determination from the state Public Access Counselor, the Floyd County Council plans to file suit against the city of New Albany today or Thursday for failure to provide financial information on their portion of funding the New Albany-Floyd County Animal Shelter.

Another city-county financial impasse: Animal shelter and control services.

The News and Tribune's most recent mention of the most recent instance of seemingly recurring city-county funding disparity (is this LP scratched, or is the ganja too strong?) came on June 15.

Fleshing out a funding dispute: New Albany, Floyd County still at odds over animal shelter money, by Chris Morris (N and T)

NEW ALBANY — In 1999, New Albany and Floyd County governments signed an interlocal agreement, forming the New Albany-Floyd County Animal Shelter. As part of the agreement, funding the shelter would be based on population. With that in place, and following the 2010 census, Floyd County is responsible for 51 percent of the shelter’s budget while the city is to pay 49 percent.

But Floyd County Auditor Scott Clark said it’s not that simple, and he points to 2014 to make his point ...

Uni-gov? Really? At any rate, a New Albany resident has asked about funding for the animal shelter and animal control.

I'm interested in knowing how you would attempt to resolve the financial situation/impasse between the City and the County in regard to the Animal Shelter and Animal Control Services. The County is in serious arrears, but they and the City are equally vested in the physical building, and County residents use the services, although not to the degree of City residents.

The Floyd County Animal Rescue League is also a signatory to the binding Interlocal Agreement. NAFC Animal Control and Shelter is governed by the 5-member volunteer Animal Control Authority, 2 appointed by the Mayor, 2 by the County Commissioners, and 1 by the Rescue League.

The situation is complicated and both sides appear to be dug in. Your thoughts?

It certainly does seem complicated, and I'm researching it. In the interim, I'd love to hear YOUR thoughts on the matter. As an independent candidate for mayor, I don't feel bound by political tradition, only compelled to consider what works. Help me learn more, please: baylorformayor@gmail.com

Spay Now or Stay Stupid: World Spay Day is February 28, and here's why it matters.

PRESS RELEASE

 

Contact: Theresa Stilger, David Hall

Animal Care Co-Ordinator, Director

Phone: (812) 948-5355 shelter (502) 376-8430 cell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

NAFC Animal Shelter Partners with 

Humane Society of the United States

to Promote World Spay Day

February 28, 2012

 

SPAY NOW OR STAY STUPID!

 

New Albany, In., February 15, 2012— The New Albany Floyd County Animal Shelter will participate in World Spay Day, an international campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, to promote the life-saving benefits of spay/neuter, when it hosts  a SPAY NOW OR STAY STUPID!  event on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. During this event, the NAFC Animal Shelter will be altering forty felines for FREE! Preregistration is required, is limited to Floyd County residents with proof of income under 30k per year. Limits on the numbers of available spaces for males and females will be in place. All cats will receive a rabies vaccination and license if needed for a fee of  $5 each. 

 

“Spay/neuter saves pets' lives while lessening the burden on animal shelters and taxpayers,” said David Hall, Director of The New Albany Floyd County Animal Shelter. “In today’s economy, many people cannot afford to have their pet or the local neighborhood cat altered. This only contributes to pet overpopulation.  We are inviting our citizens to take advantage of this free spay or neuter day, or help by sponsoring the spay or neuter of at least one animal—their own, a friend or family member's,—in honor of World Spay Day 2012.” Go to the shelters website www.nafcanimalshelter.org to donate or for more information.

 

Since Spay Day's inception in 1995, it is conservatively estimated that participants have spayed or neutered more than one million animals. It has been a proud achievement of Spay Day participants like the NAFC Animal Shelter and other spay/neuter programs that the number of homeless cats and dogs euthanized in the U.S. has fallen from approximately 13.5 million in 1973 to fewer than four million currently.

 

 

Over two thousand animals a year come through the doors to the New Albany Floyd County Animal Shelter seeking homes. Hundreds of pet owners have been assisted in spaying and neutering of their animal by the shelter, the Floyd County Humane Society and the Floyd County Animal Rescue League.  Together, we can make a difference.

 

Shelter Adoption Hours: 

Mon through Fri: 12-4 p.m. Sat:  11-2 p.m.

Cats also at both New Albany Feeders Supply Pet Stores

Adoption fees Cats: $20

Kittens under 4lbs: $60

Dogs: $80

NA Event Watch: Ales for Tails at Bridge Liquors on Saturday, September 26.

"Ales for Tails" is a benefit organized by Bridge Liquors on behalf of the New Albany-Floyd County Animal Shelter, which will be on site with its "Wag & Whiskers Wagon," a mobile adoption vehicle. Admission to the fest is a $5 donation to the shelter.

NABC will be on hand. It would be the perfect opportunity to pour one of the Brewers' Best Friend Series (Elsa, Jasmine and Malcolm), so if any of them are ready for action ...

Also, there'll be wholesaler reps pouring other craft and imported beers, along with wine tastings and live music from Jay and Rachel.

The gig will take place under a tent in the Bridge Liquors parking lot from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26.

For more information, visit the Bridge Liquors web site.

The New Albany-Floyd County Animal Shelter's "Dog Days at the Drive In!" on Saturday, May 30.

Submitted.

---

Dog Days at the Drive In!

The New Albany Floyd County Animal Shelter is thrilled to announce another dog friendly event happening in our community. On May 30th, the Georgetown Twin Drive In Theater is opening its gates to four legged family members, allowing dogs on leash to attend for a $2.00 admission fee. All dog admission fees collected will be donated to the NAFC Animal Shelter.

The Drive In will be premiering the Pixar movie Up, followed by Hannah Montana. Screen 2 will be playing Night at the Museum and X-Men Wolverine. Besides these great movies, several exciting child and dog friendly events are planned. There are plans to have an inflatable slide and bounce house available for the children’s pleasure, while dogs can try their paws at a dog agility obstacle course, watch the agility demonstration, or kick back and relax with a pet massage!

Booths will be set up by area dog related businesses and adoptable animals from area rescues along with a visit by the New Albany Floyd County Animal Shelter’s Wags ‘N Whiskers Wagon. Special concessions will even be sold just for the dogs to enjoy on their day out!

Don’t miss this fun filled family event! Gates open at 5pm. Further details and rules for bringing your pet will be available at the Drive-In website.

Over three thousand animals a year come through the doors to the New Albany Floyd County Animal Shelter seeking homes. Hundreds of pet owners have been assisted in spaying and neutering of their animal by the Floyd County Humane Society and the Floyd County Animal Rescue League. Together, we can make a difference.

Shelter Adoption Hours: Mon through Fri: 12-4 p.m. Sat: 11-2 p.m.

GreenTree Mall Adoption Hours: Tues-Sunday 12-7pm (closed 3pm-4pm/lunch)

Cats also at SuperPetz and New Albany Feeders Supply Pet Stores

Adoption fees Cats: $50 cats, under 4lbs. are $60 Dogs: $70

A rose and a pet … free flowers with furry friends.

(A press release from the NAFC Animal Shelter)

Don’t have a sweetheart? Pick your own partner by adopting a homeless pet, complete with a rose!

Buds In Bloom has graciously offered to provide a free rose with every furry friend adopted at The New Albany Floyd County Animal Shelter -- only on Valentine’s Day this year! Coupons will be distributed with each pet adopted at any of our locations. The coupon can be redeemed that day at Buds In Bloom at 225 Pearl St.

All pets adopted from the New Albany Floyd County Animal Shelter have been vaccinated, wormed, treated for fleas, and micro-chipped. Cats have tested negative for Feline Leukemia/FIV, and dogs have tested negative for heartworms. In addition, all animals come with an adoption gift pack and starter bag of food!

Shelter Adoption Hours:
Monday through Friday: 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

GreenTree Mall Adoption Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00 noon – 7:00 p.m. (closed 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for lunch) ... cats are also at SuperPetz, Connor Jewelry and the New Albany Feeders Supply.

Adoption fees:
Cats: $50 … Cats under 4lbs: $60 … Dogs: $70

Contact:
Theresa Stilger (Animal Care Coordinator) or David Hall (Director)
Cell phone: 376-8637, 376-8430
Shelter: (812) 948-5355