AWL and Charlotte County reach tentative contract agreement

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—The Animal Welfare League and Charlotte County reached a tentative agreement over funding for the no-kill shelter.

The AWL previously threatened to terminate their contract with the county if a new contract wasn't agreed upon. The AWL previously asked for $1.3 million a year, while the county was offering roughly $500,000 in funding.

The two sides worked to find common ground during the last week and updated county commissioners. The tentative agreement is based on a tiered-based approach.

"This is our mission. We want to keep our doors open and remain a no-kill open door facility," said Tara Zajas, AWL executive director.

Zajas walked out of the Charlotte County Commissioners meeting surrounded by AWL volunteers, smiles on their faces.

"We're so thrilled that the county commissioners and county administration are willing to work with us, and remain open, remain, remain a no-kill shelter for the Charlotte County," Zajas said.

Zajas said the last week of negotiations settled what the county and the shelter are financially responsible for.

The county will be responsible for paying for an animal's needs for the first seven days it is in the shelter and 70% on days eight through 10. After that, the county will decrease its financial stake in the animal by 10% every five days.

On day 41, the financial responsibility will remain solely on the AWL.

The contract breaks down to provide $882,000 in funding for AWL. 

"I still believe that the numbers that were proposed originally by the county, the $600,000, were generous. It was a generous number. However, I believe in negotiating," said County Commissioner Ken Doherty.

Doherty was hesitant about the increase in funding. As part of the contract, there will be an audit where the AWL will provide data about the animals to ensure the tiered funding is appropriate.

"I think it's a compromise to help preserve and support the mission of the Animal Welfare League as a no-kill shelter, and also a way to also show that the taxpayers' interests are also well-served in this," said County Commissioner Joe Tiseo.

The county will also discuss an additional $40,000 in funding for the AWL specifically for a spay and neuter program.

"Lower cost, lower income families don't really have the means to spay or neuter their animals, which controlling our population and preventing unnecessary pregnancies for kittens and cats and dogs, is really gonna help with the pet population and really prevent feral cat populations and unwanted puppies," Zajas said.

The county said the goal is to finalize the contract with the AWL by July 28. WINK News will keep you updated with any changes to the contract.