A contract between the City of Salisbury and the Wicomico Humane Society was drafted back in 1970, (40 years ago) stating the City would be responsible for 1/5th of the overall operating expenses of that facility.
Since that time, the Humane Society charter has changed and quite frankly the City is no longer responsible for that original agreement, yet they have fulfilled their end of the deal over the past 39 years.
That being said, considering all of the recent budget cuts, the City and County have reduced their funding to the Humane Society. In fact, the County has reduced their funding by well more than $100,000.00 a year. I'll get back to that later.
The City had paid the Humane Society $67,000.00 last year. In this years budget they reduced that funding down to $48,000.00. Now, rather than Pam Oland keeping tabs on this matter, the Mayor did not keep tabs on this agreement and considering the funding paid out to the Humane Society actually goes through the Salisbury Police Department Budget, Chief Ivan Barkley was told he had to reduce any and all expenses throughout the department and he did exactly what was asked. The SPD chose to reduce the HS budget by $19,000.00. Oland and Ireton screwed up.
Last week Linda Lugo sent a message to Chief Barkley telling him he had until the end of the month to come get his animals, (5 of which are quarantined by court orders) which also included other stray animals as the City had not fulfilled their end of the 1970 contract agreement.
The letter apparently went on to say that the Humane Society would no longer take in ANY animals from residents within the City of Salisbury. They demanded the Salisbury Animal Control also turn in ALL keys to the HS. WAIT A MINUTE, AREN'T CITY RESIDENTS CONSIDERED COUNTY RESIDENTS AS WELL? DON'T CITY RESIDENTS PAY COUNTY TAXES TOO? I DO!
Chief Barkley received this letter and immediately tried to make contact with HS Director Linda Lugo. Someone answered the phone at the HS and said that Linda had just stepped out but if he'd wait a second they'd go get her. They came back on the line and stated that Linda was now on vacation but she'd be calling in for messages and she'd return from vacation on the 1st of the month. Chief Barkley stated that this wouldn't work, according to Linda's letter. Mind you, the letter could have come from the Board, but it doesn't really matter and we'll have copies of the letters tomorrow.
What everyone needs to also understand is that the HS has REFUSED to deliver the services normally provided to the City of Salisbury for quite some time and they have also refused the normal services to the County, hence the Sheriff's Department picking up stray animals and so forth. This is something we posted quite some time ago.
Nevertheless, even though the HS has been PAID for certain services agreed upon by both the City and the County, they are refusing those services, (other than housing the animals) yet YOU the taxpayer have paid in advance for those services. The HS is stating due to budget cuts they can no longer provide those services.
Chief Barkley has been digging as deep as he can to find out just where the 1/5th of the City Taxpayers money is going. Linda Lugo claimed that she had provided that information but as the City has been digging into this for quite a while now, there's no evidence whatsoever that Linda Lugo has in fact provided such mentioned information. The City wants to know, WHAT ARE WE PAYING FOR and how does it equate to 1/5th in expenses. This is a fair question and this information should be made available to the City.
In the end, who loses what. Well, it goes right back to the old, people have forgotten where they came from. Bridges are being burned and the HS is not accountable to either the City or the County, yet between the two they provide almost 90% of their operating expenses. Linda Lugo has become way too big for her britches and quite frankly the woman needs to GO.
This is about the ANIMALS! Bribing the City Taxpayers and telling them as of tomorrow morning you will no longer take in any animals coming from the City of Salisbury is ridiculous. In these times, (especially when it is CLEAR that several people have miss communicated on this matter) it is a time to work TOGETHER. It is about the ANIMALS! Giving an ultimatum and forcing your hand has left a horrible taste in every one's mouth.
It should be known that the SPD Animal Control has been covering most animal related cases for the State Police, Wicomico Sheriff's Department and the Fruitland Police because the HS claims they don't have the money to cover it.
Here's a wake up call for you Linda, not that you'll care. I will start working on a plan immediately tomorrow morning in which I will consider building a brand new facility that will compete with the Wicomico Humane Society. I will accept the reduced funding offered by the City and County. I own 32 acres in Willards that will work just fine for such a facility.
We will do everything we can to relieve all taxpayers within the City and County from any more additional funding within a 5 year period. We WILL be accountable to the taxpayers and we will provide an unconditional service to those animals in need. Should the City and County agree to work with us on this new facility, I will front all the money necessary to make this a reality and again, after 5 years we can renegotiate new terms to better suit the City & County residents. Again, the goal is to remove any and all expenses to the taxpayer through donations and fundraising efforts.
I mentioned earlier the County had reduced their funding by $100,000.00 over the past couple of years. The County is responsible for 3/5th of the Humane Society's budget. Will Linda Lugo and the Humane Society Board be threatening the County next, or is their $250,000.00 a year worth of funding far too much for them to threaten the County with? One thing is for sure, the County has reduced a whole lot more than the City has, yet they haven't been told the HS will cut their services by September 1st.
I have spoken to County Executive Rick Pollitt on this matter and he assures me he'll be on top of it first thing in the morning.
In my honest opinion Folks, while I'd love to say stop making any donations to the Humane Society, that would make me out to be the same kind of monster Linda Lugo and the Humane Society Board have become. What you do is up to you. However, I will get the ball rolling tomorrow morning on a new facility and deliver a proposal in a very short period of time to the City and County.
One thing I can assure you of. There are quite a few unhappy former employees and volunteers from the Wicomico Humane Society that would be willing to help us out in any way, shape or form with a new facility. I firmly believe competition is a good thing but I need to know if we will have your support as well.
Please let Mayor Ireton, Chief Barkley, Sheriff Mike Lewis, Chief Mike Phillips and County Executive Rick Pollitt know that you support such a facility. My Wife served 18 years as the Vet Tech at the Salisbury Zoo and has even worked at the Wicomico Humane Society. We have rescued a multitude of animals over the years including fawns, eagles, 35 foals, ducks, geese, loons and yes, dogs and cats.
Unfortunately, (IMHO) the City will probably be forced to pony up the additional funding the HS is demanding. However, if there's another option out there the City and County can consider, my guess is that they'd welcome it with open arms.
Salisbury News has provided a rescue haven for hundreds of animals. We feel that if we were to participate in a new facility and post dogs and cats up for adoption they would easily find homes to the tens of thousands of people visiting this Site each and every day. When the Humane Society worked with us in the past we flat out emptied their facility at least twice. Other colleagues within the MSM have also agreed to participate in promoting our animal adoptions, should we create such a facility. Folks, it's all about the animals, not the almighty dollar.
NEW POSTS WILL FALL BELOW THIS ONE THROUGHOUT THE MORNING.
58 comments:
I say Bring On a New Facility!!!!!!!!!!
Way to go Joe. I would love to see a new facility that real cares about the animals. I would support your facility and hope the city and county do also.g
If it is a no kill shelter I will be there to help every step of the way and to donate weekly with money and time. I just can't go to the HS because it breaks my heart to know that many of them will be put down.
You don't have the money or the friends that you think you have to build this facility. Nice try Joe. It will never happen.
Big talk Albero re building a competing facility, but you're all bark. The time it came to cut checks you'd be MIA or ready with some excuse why it couldn't be done. 100% guaranteed.
Why can't we fix the the problems
at the old facility. Is a new building going to solve management
problems?
First, when was the last time the Humane Society and its leaders were audited? Second, I think your idea about creating a new facility is amazing. Thank you for sharing all this information.
Joe - I too have had multiple dealings with Ms. Lugo, and it is certainly true that whether she believes it or not, her staff can't stand her just for these sorts of things. My guess is that WHEN you get this off the ground, their will be no shortage of former HS employees to choose from who will do a fine job....Ms. Lugo, you don't seem to know this yet (and throwing your significant weight around doesn;t help you one bit - it makes you look silly), but your career light is starting to burn out. My suggestion for the HS is to IMMEDIATELY mend fences and start kissing tail, or else....
Best of luck Joe - let us know when and where we can begin donations...
Joe--with your contacts you need to acquire a copy of the agreement between the HS & County. You are going to be very surprised what that agreeement states.I could tell you about it but, you need to see for yourself. The money from both city & county is for "animal control only" -- and there's more. See for yourself.
HS= out of control spoiled bratts
without supervision. She should be fired , but who can do that ?
Mmmm , probabley waiting for some Stimulas Money.
Sounds like its time to "flush the toilet" over there. Bring in new blood!
what i do not get reading this piece is..... who are you saying is in the wrong Joe? I starts off sounding like City Hall and Rick Politt/Wico County for underfunding. Then you go into laying fault to the Humane Society when they are the ones who are getting cut. I am not saying this as an employee of either business, i have no association, I am just confused on where "the blame" lies. To me, it looks like the blames starts with City AND County Government.
Your argument is unwarranted with regards to isn't Salisbury in Wicomico County. How many Wicomico County schools are in City limits but get no funding from the city of Salsibury.
an agreement is an agreement...however you nailed it Joe..as an owner of a home in the City of Salisbury I am outraged that they have the kahunas to tell me I can't call them anymore...we have made donations to them in the past and adopted the greatest dog ever...from them
something must give..and it won't be my family as long as the current dynamics exist.
A BIG thankyou SBY NEWS once agin Joe you deliver the story's and a solution. Lets see if JT and the other loosers step up to the plate. LOL
Is it really necessary to build a new facility? There are so many vacant (sale/lease) buildings in this area, couldn't one of those buildings be renovated? Seems that would be less costly than building a brand new facility.
Joe, I support you proposal 100%. I seriously doubt you will get support from the city. Any support would have to be brought through the council and those 2 sitting animals [Smith,Shannie] will vote against any support offered. Private sector may not be enough to help.
I say turn the operation over to the Sheriff's Office. Give them the budget and building and it would clear the air and save a tone of money in the end. The Humane Society refuses to come out in the county all the time. They really have no place in the system. They are all there drawing checks and doing the minimum. Why because no one is watching the operation.
Lugo is a nice person. The problem is she never answers to anyone.
Joe someone needs to audit that place. I think there is some funny business going with money there
Joe, I think this time, you need to let them work it out themselves. I am just overwhelmed with all of this information. I have noticed for sometime, that things were "out of control" at the Humane Society, BUT, I really don't feel you are treating Linda Lugo fairly. Perhaps there are 2 Linda's! The one I know has always been for the animals. I must say, however, that over the last few months, I was confused about a couple of issues. 1. Too many people working there. 2. Not many animals for the time of the year I was there. Either we had a better educated public, or where were the animals going? Also, FYI that Humane Society is built on County owned land.
7:32am it may sound good to say renovating an existing building is a better idea but when it comes down to the fact it is not cost effective. The reason is the existing buildings in this area are so overpriced by the time you get done with the purchase your budget is blown for any reconstruction. When you look at other factors like neighbors building new would make more sense because of the size of property needed to do it right.
I'm all in favor of the new run facility.
And while we're on the subject of budgets - I say that we should let Free Enterprise also take over the operations of the Ocean City - Salisbury - Wicomico Airport.
Pollitt should relinguish the operating budget for the Airport and let someone else 'step-up to the plate' to take over this operation to.
How can the airport have almost 10 employees and then sub-contract out the grass cutting and weed control.
Something is dead wrong in this picture.
All politics aside (i know this is hard) the employees that I have encountered at the HS have been very caring, and decent people. The, imo really care about the animals and the people who come in there. Politics can ruin many things, the higher ups will always be in some sort of tiff with another, but don't count out the everyday staff and volunteers!
so the politicos put the responsibility on the Police Chief
one more example of the do nothing City/ County Gov't that I am so ashamed of..
so we pay roughly 12,000$ a dog to maintain a facility to take care of Court Ordered quarantines?
all of this and we have a publicly funded County Health Dept that doesn't allow the people off the street to use their bathrooms
I think there is funny money games also....last time I was there, I went into a room I wasn't suppose to and there were 6 or 7 dogs playing poker!! Now where did they get that money? lol
Seriously, who owns the HS and who is Linda's boss?
Why was the letter sent to SPD chief and not to the mayor's office?
Is the HS a private entity?
Go for it Joe, I think your wife could do a wonderful job running a new facility, plus it would give people work and stimulate the local economy.
As for the HS not being a no- kill HS. This is impossible for any HS to be...
There are so many animals that have been abused and mis treated that they may not be fit for adoption, whether it be that they are to aggressive or to sickly to maintain any sort of normal life. Would you adopt an animal that has been a fighting dog and all it knows is to fight? Or take on a responsibility of an animal that will need constant medical care. These are tough decisions, and they are not made easily.
Joe, I am all for the new facility. I think that the Humane Society needs competition. They have been the only game in town for a long time, and they simply are not providing the services. In this economy, everyone is doing the same amount with less money, and the Humane Society should be expected to do the same. To cut services is not in the best interests of the populace or the animals. A new facility would provide relief and give people new options to explore when wanting to get an animal or when having to make the hard decision to give an animal up.
You have a volunteer right here Joe!!! I think this is a great idea and praise you to be willing to take on such endeavor.
Excellent ideas, Joe.
Sheriff Joe in Arizona took over the humane society that was losing 3 million a year now it shows a profit.
I am really suprized to see how many people recognize this problem.there certainly is more to be gained than lost from competition in a private sector free market.too many cheifs and not enough indians....the place is stinkin to me!!
7:15 EVERY Salisbury City Taxpayer pays COUNTY property taxes, ALL of which the COUNTY says goes for Schools.
The "City" doesn't pay for schools out of "City" taxes because CITY TAXPAYERS ALREADY DO IT!
Just how many times would you like the people of Salisbury to pay for County Services?
Do you use the ZOO? If you are a COUNTY resident, unless you are play tourist and stay in a hotel room, you don't pay a DIME for the SALISBURY ZOO, which services the ENTIRE LOWER SHORE, LOWER DELAWARE, and probably parts of Virginia's shore too.
In short,
SHUT UP!
i disagree. a new facility isnt needed. i believe just get rid of linda lugo and the atmosphere will begin to clear. we could save a lot of money using the existing facility.
i have had nothing but problems and attitudes EVERY time i have dealt with the HS.
I saw somewhere on TV where a Sheriff's Department was in charge of a HS and the inmates were the ones that took care of the animals - they walked them, fed them, bathed them, whatever needed to be done, the inmates were the ones to do it - wouldn't that work here, and if not why?
Way to go Joe! Linda Lugo has been walking around there like a Queen for too long. Her staff hates her. Her management style sucks. Previous directors were much better managers. How dare she act as if it's HER humane society...it's all of ours and many animals have had to die unnecessarily while she's been "in charge". Go get her!
8:01 - Dorchester is a no kill shelter. How do they get their funding? They run their shelter amazingly and have a great director.
The Worcester HS is also an alleged no kill shelter. However, it's rumored that they simply send animals to Wicomico HS to put them down.
I think you have burned too many bridges for anyone in Salisbury to accept your offer. No Offense!!
anonymous 10:03, then they can go pound sand, just like my $250,000.00 cash offer to the City for the old Fire Station 16. They should have taken the offer when I made it.
If the City/County refuse to work with me on this, I'm cool with that and I'm not at all offended. There are PLENTY of other options.
1. The building is on County land. They can take it back.
2. They can do everything I'm willing to do at the taxpayers expense.
3. They can demand a whole new staff be hired.......
As a former HSWC employee, I can both agree and disagree with many comments posted here. I don't think a new facility is in order. The current facility is a good one, which the staff has taken care of nicely over the years. The management and board, however, leave something to be desired. Putting all politics aside, Linda Lugo was a great boss, and is a good person, who truly cares for the animals.
However, when ones sees the current goings-on at the HSWC, one can't help but wonder what is happening with the money taxpayers, as well as donators, are sending their way. There are more employees than ever before, while there are less animals in the kennels and cages to take care of. As a side note... seems to be you have to be homosexual to work there now... EOE?
Anyway, I truly feel this situation needs investigation and management, not politics, to bring to light the roots of the problems--and to bring real, lasting solutions. It certainly is NOT one sided.
Also, it is absolutely TRUE that "NO-KILL" shelters simply send animals away to other shelters when they don't have space.
Lugo is a JOKE, has been and I have said it before adn Ill say it again. The Rainbow pride over their is messed up, they have same attitude most people in the country have... Give me what I want and maybe Ill do something for it as long as it serves my agenda. Like me for who I am or Ill make you like me.
HS in Wicomico County is screwed up, all computers, trust me all should be audited for issues.
I would love to see a new facility. I hate the location of the HS and I think it will be a wonderful place to have such a great facility. I hate the way the puppy cages are set up. Those poor babies on a concrete floor. One time one of the little guys had hurt the pad of his foot because of the floor. He could hardly walk. When I mentioned it to the staff they said it happened all the time. Plus the cage area was obviously not clean. So when you design your new facility, can you look into a different type of cage for the little guys. Just a suggestion. As far as Linda Lugo, she should be fired immediately. She seems to forget that we pay her salary. BTW Joe, how much does she make? I wish you and your wife the best and pray that this happens for both of you.
Where I come from animal control was a county Dept with county employees.In Northern VA.and most other ares in all states the highway dept, the trash/ waste dept., the schools and water treatment are all run by the county. This is what taxpayers get for paying taxes. Never mind a private deal, county officals need to get with the program and have the county manage this mess.Do things like they are suppose to be.
This is a big problem for the county. This just sheds more light on Government beaucracy. Why are cutting police,fire fighters and teachers, when I know for instances the health dept and other zoning offices do not need nearly the staff they have since construction is so far down. I am a small business owner and i certainly know how to cut the waste because I had to. These departments and "managers" have no idea what to cut and how. They are probably restricted due to some union. This is a great illistration of continued mismangement of money. Rick pollitt spent 1.5 million on 3 acres for the civic center parking lot. Now am I crazy that money should have been spent supporting base services. That type of expendature should only be made if times are good. If some of the county departments cut their staff by half, What would happen? A building permit request might sit on someones desk for weeks without action. For crying outloud, What would be differnet? Even when they are fully staffed, they report to work with no obligation or incentive to accomplish anything. If it gets done then great, if then Oh well, there is always tommorrow. In a down turn like this, leadership is needed. Where can we find some. The tough choice is to lay-off support staff for departments. Some county managers might actually have to answer their own phone. They may have to pack a lunch because there won't be anyone to cover the office while they drive their county vehichle out for a two martini, two hour lunch. A new humane society is not needed, better management. Building a new building just allows the beaucracy to live. This is like charter/private schools. Good parents pull their kids out and what is left. unionized teachers and troubled kids, What chance do they have. Fire all employyes of the humane society and run the thing like a business.
Rainbow pride, wondering how long that would take to arise,ha. Who wears the pants over there?
Before anymore decisions are made about the HS wouldnt a full scale independent audit be in order here? I mean it is big money.
If you built a new facility I would volunteer there in a heartbeat!!!!
BUILD ITTTTTT!!!
As A former employee I will defeninently stand behind you on this one Joe. There is also a something in the works against linda that know one knows as of right now and It will bite her in the kisser before too long. She needs to get lost.
12:29 -- I could certainly guess. Wonder how much Lugo pocketed for several animals that have gone through there.
If you build it they will come. Sign me up too!
I have an inkling that while Ms.Lugo does care for animals,she may not work well with humans.I had an acquaintance who used to be an AC officer there and the general consensus was if you didnt share the same "values" or lifestyle as the main "clique" at HS,hey had no use for you.I could care less about all the drama I just think its a shame that there are innocent animals suffering because of someones EGO.Joe,with your wifes experience with wildlife rehabilitation and caring for animals you guys ought to open a shelter....its time for politics and big egos to take a hike and the animals to be a priority .
to anonymous 6.06am what you dont know is there is a totall of five hundred thousand that goes to the HS half of witch is animall controll the other half is for generall funding they pay one dollar per year for the property lease as long as they provide animall controll for the entire county
to 9.59am worcester county HS and worcester animall controll are two seperate entities hs is no kill county animall controll does it in thier facillity and then they bring thier bodies to wicomico county HS for disposall at a per body price
I think this is fantastic, and would love to come work in your facility if you will let me. I don't think the animals should be put down, cause you don't have room for them and such. I live in Willards, and I love the idea. You can count me in, plus some!! Here is my email, mommyof2willards@yahoo.com
keep an eye on oland....she does things that are not proper.....
How much is HS paid for animal control services?
Most of the animal control services are provide by the city police and the county sheriff's. What exactly is HS getting paid and what are they giving for that money? As a taxpayer, I sure want to know!
Isn't there someway us taxpayers can rally together and demand that she be stripped of her post? Is there anyway at all we can help to get this woman out of there? I agree that a new facility wouldn't be necessary, but something needs to be done.
Linda Lugo was fired once by board members, supposedly for incompetence. Why did they let her come back?
Who cares about sexual orientation...as long as the animals are taken care of and there is not a hostile work environment created.
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