HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-21-2003-8lORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 21, 2003
Action Agenda
Item No.
SUBJECT: Piedmont Wildlife Rehabilitation Center -Follow Up to Budget Decision
DEPARTMENT: County Manager
PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
10/3/03 Formal Request from Dr. Bobby
Schopler
10/7/03 E-mail from Laura Walters, APS
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gwen Harvey, Assistant County
Manager, ext 2307
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To consider moving forward with the release of $20,000 that was placed in reserve
in the current budget as a contribution to the Piedmont Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
BACKGROUND: During its budget work session on June 19, 2003 and as part of continuing
discussion regarding grants to outside agencies, the BOCC received updated information about
the plans and progress of the new Piedmont Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Following
discussion, the BOCC agreed to set aside funds in the amount of $20,000 to be made available
to the Center at some point during the budget year, and to couch the funding commitment in the
context of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) report on the overall animal shelter
operation.
Since the summer, the Center has continued to pursue its priority goal as presented in the
original plan - to accept injured, orphaned, and sick native North American wildlife and return
more than 35% of them back to their original habitat in healthy condition. Its leadership remains
open and optimistic about the Center's ability to peaceably co-exist with and complement future
efforts of the Animal Protection Society (APS).
Piedmont Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was given a challenge grant from a private donor who
wishes to remain anonymous. The challenge grant requires them to raise at least $50,000 by
December 15 in order to receive up to $100,000 for unrestricted use. The Center reports that it
has currently raised about $40,000, leaving a balance of $80,000 in order to maximize the
opportunity.
County staff can determine no administrative reason why the allocation of funds, as set aside
back in the summer for the Center, cannot be addressed by the BOCC at this time. The
release of the $20,000 is not expected to undermine or limit options or opportunities the BOCC
2
may wish to exercise relative to the core functions of the Animal Shelter, the HSUS Report, or
the APS.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The amount of $20,000 was reserved during the budget process for
release to the Piedmont Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at a future date.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the release of
$20,000, as requested by the Piedmont Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, as a contribution towards
the Center's operation in Orange County.
From: "Bobby Schopler" <bobbyschopler(a~otmail.com>
To: <gharvey@co.orange.nc.us>, <jlink@co.orange.nc.us>, <mwbrown@mindspring.com>
Date: 10/3/03 3:28PM
Subject: 2003/2004 Piedmont Wildlife Center dispersement
Dear Mr. Link,
I am writing to request the disbursement of the $20,000 allocated to the
Piedmont Wildlife Center during the summer budget meeting for the fiscal
year 2003/2004.
The Piedmont Wildlife Center wants to use these fundsto further its mission
of supporting wildlife and its habitat through rehabilitation, education,
and scientific study. This money will help assure that we continue outreach
to area schools, continue caring for the native North American wildlife of
our area and continue assisting citizens who are similarly concerned. If
the funds are received before December 15th, 2003 they will be doubled by a
matching grant.
We want it to be clear that we will accept native North American wildlife
from any and all ar~mal organizations in the surrounding area. We are
working to coordinate activities surrounding injured wildlife with all
concerned organizations.
Thank you for your support of the Piedmont W ildlife Center. The progressive
leadership of Orange Couniy continues to shine as a beacon for North
Carolina, leading our state with concern for the future as well as the
present
Sincerely,
Bobby Schopler, DVM, PhD
Director, Piedmont Wildlife Center
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CC: <barry.j@mindspring.com>, <gordonam@mindspring.com>,
<mcarey1 @mindspring.com>, <stevehh@mindspring.com>, <stevenh@mindspring.com>
From: <Lwaltersaps@aol.com>
To : <g ha rv ey@ co .o ra n g e. n c . u s>
Date: 10/7/03 1:12PM
Subject: Wildlife Services
Dear Gwen:
The APS and PWC are working together for the betterment of all wildlife in
Orange County.'' We support the County granting Dr. Schopler's request for the
release of the $20,000 from the County." We will be turning over to the PWC all
requests for service regarding orphaned, injured or sick wildlife and have
notated such on our website and phone system.` Please contact me should you have
any questions.
Laura