Home for strays just months away

LINDON — By the start of this summer, the north county cities will have new digs for stray animals.

Construction on the $2 million, 18,000-square-foot north Utah County animal shelter located near the solid waste district's landfill mound is two months' ahead of schedule and could open as soon as May.

That means the new 15-member board in charge of organizing the operation and maintenance for the shelter will have to hustle.

They must decide how cities will be charged for sheltering the stray cats and dogs. Options include a yearly assessment based on population or a per-animal fee.

The board will also decide whether animal rescue groups will have to pay fees for drop-offs and, if so, how much.

A director for the shelter must also be hired, and that person may oversee the south county facility as well.

Writing by-laws, establishing operating policies, finding a meeting location and considering allowing electronic participation for members who may be out of town on meeting nights are also on the agenda.

It's a daunting task.

"You guys are in for a good experience. If you plan to open in June, you've got a lot of work ahead of you," said Spanish Fork police officer Mark Byers, past chairman of the South Valley Animal Special Services Board. "What you do affects everybody in every city."

At its Dec. 30 meeting the new north county board was still without a formal name and was working with a budget of $2,000 in startup funds that the county commission has advanced. Half of that will be needed for liability insurance.

The remainder will cover mileage reimbursements for board members' travel and maybe lunches for a training session or two.

If the board decides it wants to impose a tax levy to fund operations, it will have to find money for a special election.

"It's a lot more money to run these things than I could imagine," Byers warned. He handed out copies of the $315,368 budget for the South County shelter for 2004.

Byers said he recommends joining forces on as many aspects as possible, perhaps putting one person in charge of both shelters. He also encouraged the board members to attend all meetings.

Board member Ott Dameron, representing Lindon, suggested a subcommittee look at using a single director for the two facilities.

Ron Foggin, representing Lehi, said it makes sense to avoid a top-heavy organization while Lt. Bob Conner, who oversees the Orem City Shelter, said a director needs to be on the premises so he or she is accessible.

The board approved its first resolution, authorizing members to participate via electronic devices, and also decided to continue meeting at Lindon's Legacy Center for now. It also authorized forming a subcommittee to study the directorship issue.

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