COLUMBIA — A potential third party evaluation of the Central Missouri Humane Society, suggested two weeks ago by Second Ward Councilman Jason Thornhill, is on hold while City Council waits to review other information from the local shelter.
At its pre-meeting dinner Monday, Stephanie Browning, director of the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services, presented an information packet from the Humane Society of the United States detailing its consultation program. Browning estimated the cost of an evaluation at $18,000.
While exploring the possibility of a third-party review of the Humane Society, the council informally decided to look at the annual audit that is being prepared and financed by the local shelter.
Council members also want to see the full report from SCORE, a nonprofit organization that advises small businesses. SCORE assisted the society in analyzing its budget, financial situation and day-to-day operations.
Patty Forister, executive director of the local Humane Society, said the audit is underway and “should be wrapped up shortly.”