By Kaitlin Candelaria
An Oct. 13 meeting of the Jefferson County Personnel Board could have large repercussions for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.
GBHS has been working with Jefferson County for nine months as an independent contractor to manage the county’s animal control. However, the continuation of that contract has come under question.
According to a press release issued by GBHS recently, board Deputy Director Jeff Crenshaw cited the Enabling Act of 1945 as the reason for possibly terminating the contract. Under that law, the county is forbidden from contracting out work that could be performed just as well, effectively and economically by county employees.
GBHS Executive Director Allison Cornelius attended a Sept. 3 meeting with the group to review GBHS practices and policies, which Cornelius said would save the county more than a quarter of a million dollars each year compared to the county performing the services in-house.
Although GBHS officials originally hoped the issue would be decided Sept. 8, the board delayed the decision until Oct. 13.
“We are trying hard not to be discouraged by the changing of the date,” Cornelius said. “The Personnel Board staff wanted clarification on the best practices that GBHS is providing the animals, including full vaccinations, flea and tick medicine and 24/7 veterinary oversight and care. We believe they are trying hard to make this work and we look forward to a favorable recommendation.”
In the meantime, a petition has been made to support GBHS and its quest to maintain a hold on the county’s animal control services. The petition can be signed online at www.bit.ly/GBHSPetition.
“In order for GBHS to have a chance at keeping its animal control contract, the community needs to rally support behind our county commissioners, thank them for their support of the GBHS, and let them know that if the Jefferson county Personnel Board decides to take animal control in-house, many animals will suffer,” Cornelius said. “There is no upside for the county to take on this task. Therefore I publicly urge our community to sign this petition and keep animal control where it best serves not only the animals, but also the county.”
