This is a press release courtesy of Lane County

The Lane County Board of Commissioners has directed Lane County Animal Services staff to keep intake and impound services operating until May 29. The decision comes on the heels of a public hearing May 6.

“By extending the time frame, it will allow more time to figure out the best options for animals in our care,” said Rob Rockstroh, Director of Health and Human Services, which oversees LCAS.

County staff have been directed to continue looking into revenue options for the shelter.

Due to the anticipated loss of Secure Rural Schools funding, the Lane County Board of Commissioners gave direction to prepare a proposed budget that focuses on the “No Renewal” scenario. Learn more

Lane County Animal Services had established a plan to shutter its facility to comply with the proposed budget direction for Fiscal Year 2008-09, which eliminates County General Fund revenue for the program. That plan had included reducing services beginning May 6.

Services will continue through May 29. After which, some LCAS staff could be hired on as temporary help through June 30 to work on the transition of animal care.

Lane County Budget deliberations take place Thursday, May 15. The proposed Lane County Fiscal Year 2008-09 Budget Document is available at http://www.lanecounty.org/CAO_Budget/Budget/FY0809ProposedBudget.htm