The Humane Educational Society (HES) made a presentation to members of the Hamilton County Commission on Wednesday to request an increase in their annual funding "to meet critical needs of the shelter."
Commissioner Randy Fairbanks said he agrees that the facility on North Highland Park Avenue "is in an appalling condition.
When I toured it I was flabbergasted."
HES officials said the building "is literally falling down around us." They said money is needed to fix the roof, repair three air conditioners and unclog a sewer line.
Executive Director of HES Robert Citrullo said he is concerned about the condition of the over 70-year old facility and how it is impacting the animals they care for and services they provide. The last year the shelter received an increase in funding was 2007. Mr. Citrullo noted that many areas of the building are not safe for staff due to asbestos, a basement that floods and electrical repairs that need to be made.
The shelter currently operates on a $395,255 annual budget or $3.82 per capita. By comparison, the Young-Williams Animal Center in Knoxville receives $3 million annually, while Nashville's Metro Animal Services receives $2 million each yea, it was stated. In Hamilton County, the McKamey Center receives $1.6 million or $9.29 per capita to meet local needs within the 143 square miles of the city of Chattanooga. HES covers over 500 miles in the unincorporated and municipalities within Hamilton County, officials said.
Mr. Citrullo said, "This funding will allow us to address basic needs, including additional staff as well as maintenance and repair of our current facility. The funding will in no way allow us to make many of the changes necessary at HES, but is critical to our viability. We have a business model and facility that are simply unsustainable.
"We must address major issues including clogged sewer lines, broken air conditioners, vehicles and lights. If we are unable to make these repairs, portions of our facility may be condemned."
"Our current staff of 23 is at a dangerous level to adequately meet the needs of our community. The increase will allow us to begin to meet critical needs and make repairs, while bringing up staffing levels."
In 2014, the public surrendered 2,591 animals to the HES that included unplanned litters along with dogs and cats whose families can no longer afford to care for them. This year, their officers have answered 2,031 calls to date.
HES is requesting a budget of $620,970, which is $6.00 per capita and "well under the $8.00 national average for shelters," it was stated. Pending the approval of the funding increase from the commission, the shelter's board is planning to launch a three-year capital campaign for a new facility.