Budget Violated by New Contract

The cost for Animal control has been approved and yet not one Council Member or Staff Member said how they were going to pay for the added cost. This is one of the practices that has driven the spending of CRA funds by the General Fund. Cutting Back on Animal Control Services may just be the solution. Including the citizens taking the responsibility to remove the road kill the old fashioned way. Shovel and Gloves and a Bag. Round up stray dogs and after 3 days of foster care in homes in GT they are removed to a collection point and euthanized or shot in the head which ever is cheaper. Injured animals should not get medical care at city expense. Citizens don't get medical care at city expense.

Grand Terrace turns to San Bernardino for animal control
Colton's cut in services moves council to switch
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/24/2010 04:14:41 PM PDT

With Colton's budget woes forcing it to discontinue service, Grand Terrace will expand its contract with San Bernardino for animal control and sheltering starting April 1.
The Grand Terrace City Council on Tuesday approved a three-year agreement with San Bernardino, which already shelters animals for Grand Terrace.
Colton has offered animal control to Grand Terrace for a number of years but cut back on service hours in December due to staffing reductions.
In January, Colton notified Grand Terrace that it could no longer provide it with animal services after March 31 because of additional staff cutbacks.
"The city of Colton provided very good service in terms of animal control," said Joyce Powers, Grand Terrace community and economic development director. "We were happy with it. I would expect the same from the city of San Bernardino."
Grand Terrace received proposals from three agencies that offered to provide animal services: the cities of San Bernardino and Moreno Valley and Riverside County.
San Bernardino provided the lowest bid at $104,184 a year, which was $36,770 higher than the current total for animal control and sheltering.
San Bernardino's service includes veterinary care. Animal control officers will respond to calls between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and to emergency calls after hours and on weekends and holidays.
Services to be provided include licensing, impounding, regulation and control of dogs, cats and other domestic and wild animals.
Because of staffing reductions, Colton cut back from seven to four days per week and stopped providing after-hours services.
Powers said Grand Terrace is paying more to contract with San Bernardino because it is offering full weekday coverage and emergency response.
"Given the options that the city was presented with, this was really our only alternative," said Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia.
Garcia said she hopes cities in San Bernardino County can come together and provide a regional solution for animal services.Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_14750846#ixzz0jCZdKr1l