Meetings Steering Committee(Folders 1-2)

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Ralph stated that in 2013, Dog Control would be in the hole about $600,000 in regard to operating costs. He does not have a concrete answer as to where that $600,000 would come from. A tax on pet food has been proposed, but that idea was rejected. Ralph thinks that some of the money would have to come from the General Fund, and that the City of Salem should help carry the cost also. It was noted that there is no mandate which states that Dog Control must exist. The question was posed: "What would happen if there was no Dog Control?" No one is sure exactly what the answer is; however, the consensus is that, at least for the time being, we're better off having Dog Control, particularly in cases of attacks on livestock by domestic animals. It was suggested that perhaps Neighborhood Associations should be given more responsibility for handling "dog problems". However, the point was made that when a dog runs through someone's yard, that someone is more inclined to call Dog Control than #o call their Neighbor- hood Association. The Chairman asked Ralph if the subcommittee's report figures were calculated in 1994 dollars. Ralph responded that no, the figures were calculated in 2013 dollars. As all subcommittees were requested to use 1994 dollars, the Chairman asked Ralph to have all of the figures revised to reflect 1994 dollars. This will be done for next week's meet- ing. Concern was expressed about the possibility of rabies. Dogs must get their rabies shot to be licensed. However, since less than 50% of dogs are licensed, that means that more than 50% of dogs may not have ever had a rabies shot. While there have not been any reported cases of rabies in a long time, the increasing dog population makes that a distinct possibility. The Chairman expressed doubt that the Dog Control facility will be approved, due to the fact that there is a finite budget and other projects will be given higher priority. He suggested that the Dog Control subcom- mittee should seriously investigate other options, such as leasing a larger office space. The Mayor was asked whether the City will have any involvement in the proposed Dog Control facility or not. He responded that the issue has 3