A majority of the Salina City Commission is in favor of hiring an outside industry expert to conduct an operational assessment of the Salina Animal Shelter.

At the end of a study session Monday four of the five commissioners indicated they would like to proceed with the assessment. Commissioner Doug Rempp was the lone dissenter, saying that in lieu of that the city should immediately start to seek a private  organization to take over operations of the animal shelter. Commissioner Dr. Trent Davis countered the assessment could potentially determine that it would be best to work with an outside agency. Commissioner Greg Lenkiewicz said “it’s an impartial set of eyes with no skin in the game”.

During the study session Salina Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hammond and Animal Service Operations Manager Andrea Murphy both spoke.

Hammond outlined a couple of failed inspections, one in 2023 and one in January of this year, and changes that have occured to correct issues. Following the failed January inspection, the shelter passe a re-inspection last week.

City Mgr Jacob Wood noted the shelter has learned from its past mistakes, and has taken steps to correct them and to make sure they don’t happen again.

In reference to the controversial euthanasia of three puppies which were brought to the shelter suffering the highly contagious parvovirus City Attorney Patrick Hoffman said the shelter “met the  minimal legal standard, but they need to do better than that”.

Tim Crum Animal Shelter Services has already inquired about conducting an operational assessment. The City will go through the process of soliciting bids.