COF & GF ink service contract

Circle of Friends will continue to operate as the city pound under terms of a revised contract approved by the Grand Forks council last night.

COF has been working to fix a budget gap that included the recent elimination of its CEO…staff cuts including a veterinarian…and closure of the adoption center on South Washington. The contract with the city will pay the animal shelter over $198,000 dollars throughout the year plus revenues from licensing pets.

COF Board Chair and acting CEO Chris Douthit says the non-profit has a budget blueprint moving forward.  “With the funding we receive from the city and funding from the county and some fundraising we have received we are operating at approximately a $300 dollar a day loss.”

City Administrator Todd Feland says the city is still working on plans should medical services be required. He says that may require a separate agreement.  “Whether it’s pain relief or euthanasia that requires a veterinarian.”

The current contract runs through the end of the year.