Stray Rescue's Companion Center will take in dozens of dogs and cats.
By Mike Rush
St. Louis (KSDK) - City leaders are trying to come up with a compromise over what to do with a quarter of a million dollars donated for an animal shelter. This comes after a committee Thursday voted down a proposal to give the money to the non-profit Stray Rescue.
When the idea of building a new city shelter fell by the wayside, the mayor and others supported the donated money going to Stray-Rescue, which has already been performing shelter duties.
But not everybody was as enthusiastic about that plan. Some alderman expressed concerns in a committee meeting Thursday, including accountability for the money and what would happen to strays once the no-kill shelter fills up. The resolution tied four to four, which means it died.
Randy Grim, who runs Stray Rescue, said he feels betrayed by the city.
"This is a blow big enough to my heart and to all of us here," said Grim. "We were all crying here. We're not going to be dictated by the city anymore."
The $250,000 was collected over the last nine years from people rounding up on their water bill, personal property tax and real estate tax bills.
Mayor Francis Slay and Board of Alderman President Lewis Reed said they both support Stray Rescue.
"Way better job than the city has done," said Mayor Slay. "They have picked up 52 percent more animals; they have adopted out 90 percent more dogs."
Alderman Reed said, "It's going to take some time. It's going to take some understanding what Stray Rescue can provide and what they cannot provide and making sure all of our bases are covered."
Reed said he'll be working on a compromise over the next few weeks and will most likely introduce an amended resolution. Meanwhile, the mayor said that money is dedicated and cannot be used for anything else.
Stray Rescue released this statement following the vote:
"We are extremely disappointed with the board of aldermen's decision not to give Stray Rescue the $250,000 from the city water bill. The money was donated by kindhearted, concerned citizens, and the city was entrusted to use the money for that which is was intended - to help the abused and neglected stray companion animals in St. Louis.
"Mayor Slay publicly announced that Stray Rescue would be the recipient of the donations in January, and instead of receiving a single cent we have been put on trial, insulted and, second-guessed for all the good we've done for the animals in the city, as well as for the citizens.
"This unfortunate decision will have a direct negative effect on the dogs and cats in our city, and it's a monstrous slap in the face after we've done so much. We have to consult our board to assess our next course of action."
KSDK