Officials at a joint meeting of the Flagler County Commission and the Palm Coast City Council on Wednesday agreed to place representation from either government on the board of the Flagler Humane Society, which has faced significant criticism from current and former volunteers and has been the subject of some concern among elected officials about a lack of oversight. The organization depends on some $400,000 a year from local governments.
At the same time, officials said it was time to put the criticism to rest and look for solutions to pressing issues, some of them glaring.
If the joint meeting revealed a startling reality not spelled out until Wednesday, it is that while the 20-year-old shelter on U.S. 1 is old, overcrowded and growing more so, and the society’s director says it’s been outgrown, the Humane Society has neither capital plan nor savings either to build larger shelter or move to one, though it would be prohibitively expensive to do so. Local officials want that plan. The door has also been opened for the Sheriff’s Office to possibly take on some animal control responsibilities.
“It’s a growing county and a growing issue, and what is the plan?” County Commissioner Leann Pennington asked. There was no answer.
“We absolutely need to come up with a plan for the capacity issue,” City Council member Theresa Pontieri said, whether by exploring the use of development impact fees or partnering with the Sheriff’s Office for sheltering options.
“Whatever we can do to get that train started down the road to where we have a plan to either build or add on to your building or build another building right there,” Commissioner Greg Hansen said. “That should be project number one to get that done.”
The society over he last few weeks has sustained a barrage of criticism largely centered on three issues: lack of oversight from funding governments, lack of accounting, allegations of poor or improper treatment of animals housed in an overcrowded facility, and the firing of volunteers who don’t toe a certain line. At the same time, society advocates have stood up for the organization, defending it and refuting critics’ claims, as has Amy Carotenuto, the society;’s executive director, in these pages and elsewhere. (See: “Flagler Humane Society Blasted for Lax Standards and Euthanasias as Commissioner Raises Prospect of County Take-Over,” and “Flagler Humane Society Director Defends Shelter’s Euthanasia Record and Rejects Criticism as Inaccurate“).
“There were a lot of pros and cons that we had heard from a lot of different people,” County Administrator Heidi Petito said in a summary of the last few weeks’ controversy to the commissioners and council members. The special workshop between the two governments was unusual. It was prompted by critics appearing before both boards, and both boards wanting to explore the issue quickly and efficiently, together. (Staffers tacked on two other items on the joint meeting’s agenda, to take advantage of the rare opportunity for joint dialogue.)
“The county or the city does not have immediate oversight over them,” Petito reminded the elected, referring to the society, a non-profit. “They are a private entity. They do have an eight person board of directors. They also have an executive director and staff.” The society contracts with local governments: $284,220 with the county, $90,000 with Palm Coast, $26,000 with Bunnell, $16,000 with Flagler Beach.
Unlike Palm Coast, which has a staff of three animal control officers, plus a technician and their equipment, the county, Bunnell and Flagler Beach don’t have their own animal control divisions. They contract with the society, which has just two animal control officers. The society in turn bills the governments. “It’s hard to predict the actual true cost, because it’s based on the number of animals that they capture and have to house,” Petito said. The contracts have reporting requirements specifying the number of animals handled.
“There might be a path moving forward through maybe either our contract negotiations which will be up next year,” Petito said, with an increase in funding to account for increasing costs scheduled. “But perhaps before we renew the contract next year, or maybe prior to that, if we have discussions with their board and their executive director, maybe there could be room for some local government oversight. Maybe we can discuss kind of future capital plans and identify ways that we can improve the facility. And then maybe there’s room for participation with the board of directors.”
It is common for local governments that contribute substantial sums to local organizations to have a liaison, or a voice, on those organizations’ boards. Elected officials typically each have two, three, four assignments on local organizational boards, as liaisons. Petito herself serves on the SMA Healthcare board and the board of FGUA, the Florida Governmental Utility Authority that provides utility services to such subdivisions as Plantation Bay. SMA received $173,300 in county funds this year, the largest allocation to any of the 10 social service agencies the county contributes to. (See the list and amounts here.)
The elected officials quickly embraced the proposal for representation: it’s a tangible achievement amid an intractable challenge.
“This is kind of new territory, with us working together on this,” Dance said. “From my standpoint, the glaring elephant in the room is expansion.” He said later: “We’ve got lots of pressing issues, so this just becomes another one of them that we’ve got to look at.”
Commissioner Greg Hansen made the surprising proposition that since in some counties Sheriff’s Offices handle animal control, the sheriff here could do so. But that would likely not resolve the issues at hand if the Sheriff’s Office were not to have a shelter of its own. The humane society would still be in charge, the same way that Palm Coast has its own animal control division, but turns over its animals to the society. But the Sheriff’s Office is open to exploring options.
“There is a lot to it, and certainly we would have to examine what the cost-benefit analysis would be and what the enforcement would look like long term on something like that,” Mark Strobridge the sheriff’s chief of staff, said. “But it is absolutely true, a lot of sheriffs are taking that responsibility.”
Carotenuto provided a brief history of the shelter and addressed the issues. The original shelter was built in 1982. It’s occupied the current shelter since 2004. “We have outgrown it,” she said. “We do the best we can. Offices become cages, and we have animals just about everywhere,” including dogs, cats, snakes, tortoises, birds, goats, pigs, range lizards, not to mention the humans. The shelter has a paid staff of 47, a third of whom are part-time, plus some 100 volunteers, operating on a $3 million budget. Its thrift store alone generates $650,000 a year.
The shelter is annually inspected by the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the same overworked agency responsible for inspecting hotels, motels and short-term rentals, among other businesses. It is also inspected by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency.
“So there’s oversight for sure, and we have no problem sharing everything,” Carotenuto said, from profit-and-loss statements to animals handled to budget figures, which she said would show a loss with regards to the Palm Coast contract, which does not cover the shelter’s costs ($300 to get a cat ready for adoption, $500 for a dog). But it’s crowded. The Humane Society has 56 kennels. It has 90 dogs. It has some colony rooms for cats, allowing them to fit in easier. It is only “slightly” at over capacity for cats, the director said. Staffing is less of an issue, she said. “We’re OK at this point.”
Then came the surprise. Only “some funds” have been set aside for expansion, but nowhere near what the shelter needs to expand. It has not planned a capital campaign. “Shelters are very expensive to build. I think people are misinformed when they think that you can just put up a metal building and are some kennels and throw animals in it,” Carotenuto said, comparing shelter structures to hospitals with special drainage requirements. “Orange County is bigger than us, but I know their budget for their new shelter is between $80 and $100 million.” (Orange County Animal Services is planning to build a shelter of between 80,000 and 100,000 square feet adjacent to the Mall at Millenia. The cost was estimated at $25 to $35 million in 2017. The cost has risen to $95 million as of last February, with no money available.)
“We want what’s best for the animals, but a kennel in somebody’s backyard does not a shelter make though, please. We’ve either got to do this right or not not do it at all,” Carotenuto said.
Some two dozen members of the public spoke, generally repeating supportive and critical comments previously spoken before the city and county boards. “My message has been to embarrass this county into increasing capacity,” one resident said. “I prefer a municipal shelter. We’re one of 13 counties in the state that does not have a municipal shelter.” Another spoke of numerous red flags related to capacity and oversight issues. Another, a former volunteer there, said no training is provided volunteers
Others, including current volunteers and a current board member, defended the shelter and Carotenuto’s leadership. “So many were quick to pile on with the allegations and accusations,” Jeff Jacobs said. “Sadly, with social media, once something is stated by someone who might have an ulterior agenda or motivation, it’s out there for a reputable agency to have to defend themselves.” A volunteer said: “As an animal lover and currently studying to become a veterinarian tech, there is no possible way I would ever volunteer at a shelter that is inhumane to animals.”
The tone was calmer than it had been previously before county and city boards. The joint meeting’s outcome did not clarify the path forward aside from possible representation on the society’s board, but it lowered anxieties, reassured the society’s director with strong words of support from the officials, and pledged the two local governments to make the matter yet another one of their priorities, to the extent that they can do so.
“We’ve heard over the past month at least the back and forth between the different groups, and I hope tonight’s meeting can kind of put a squash to some of those,” Dance said, wrapping up the issue after nearly two hours of discussions. “We’ve heard both sides and I think the points been made.” The goal is to address the most realistic maters immediately, address contractual matters and representation, with the “glaring issue” being capacity. “That’s a long term issue.” He urged the public to continue the discussion. “I just really would like to hope that we can stop the the accusations and the back and forth, because we’ve heard that and I know the current staff has heard that, so hopefully there’ll be some improvements at least in that communication standpoint.”
Gina Weiss says
It was a wonderful enlightening meeting, glad I was there and delighted
to see the county and the city getting involved as the animals need all
the support and help they can get, more funding and larger quarters to
make this work, all the people who work there and volunteer are all heroes.
Alexander says
I would think by now the Flagler County has more pressing issues to deal with rather then to continue to listen to disgruntle individuals making up lies for their own personal gain.
Building a new shelter takes more money more than meets the eye, then there are cost of pharmaceutical expenses(you know the cost of medicine very expensive) , veterinaries salaries, vet tech. salaries none of these things come cheap.
Does the county really want those extra cost because I can tell you taxpayers sure don’t.
Go do a survey and on what shelter in the State of Florida isn’t filled to capacity right now, people losing their homes, people passing away, people surrendering their pets for many different reasons.
People do your homework before throwing stones at other when it isn’t at all justified.
Carole says
I read this whole article and didn’t read anything about an audit being presented by the Humane Society. Where does the money go and how is it accounted for? Where can they save with more unpaid help or pay cuts to save more animals
If I’m not mistaken the man that paid for this building has passed but his wife said it was a no kill shelter
Joe says
Where the money goes is public record and has been provided several times. You must be knew to the whole story.
Linda Lester says
Unpaid help? Do you volunteer there? I do.
Happy pet owner says
The building was not donated. Only the land. There is a mortgage on the building.
It is a no kill shelter. They try their darndest to help the animal before allowing its life to be ended in a humane way.
Tired of it says
Really? More unpaid help? And where do you think he unpaid help is coming from? Do you have any idea how hard it is to get people to volunteer? Do you? As for pay cuts, unrealistic and ridiculous. It is hard work and people have to make a living. How may employees do you think would quit if their pay was cut? How exactly do you propose that they be a no kill shelter when they are overwhelmed with animals they have no space for?
Kristin says
Unpaid help is unskilled help. With only 45 employees, they sound like they’re running pretty thin already. The reality is that it really does cost a good amount to prepare an animal for adoption, in addition to holding that animal in the shelter each day. Drugs used to spay/neuter an animal have quickly leaped in price since 2020. In addition, holding onto skilled staff costs more. A surgery tech starts their day at 5am and may finish at 5pm. Paying that person less than what they’d make working at a grocery store causes you to loose that person. We’d have staff enter fresh and new and in a couple of years, move to a full service vet clinic for nearly double pay with the skills they’ve learned from us. Kennel staff must also understand why & how illnesses spread and the correct ways to clean kennels to prevent shelter-wide illness. A quick spray down isn’t it. Its physical, back breaking work scrubbing walls and doors.
The shelter is doing what it can to ‘save more animals’, but as Palm Coast grows, the unwanted & stray problem grows as well. If they are already housing animals in offices and hallways, then either they must regulate how many animals enter the shelter, search for partners to promote more adoptions, bulk up their foster program to move animals temporarily out of the shelter, or search for transport groups that move animals to other parts of the country that have fewer animals.
Number one though, is that they must work on a Capital Campaign. Hearing that the current building is only 20 years old and looks like it does, they should of continued the Campaign to expand on the land they have & for future repairs.
Linda says
Shelter is on a shoestring budget – recent new roof $80,000, septic repair $10,000, a/c repair, $7,000 – still making mortgage payments on current building – need support of community, local governments, and businesses to come together to find funding for any new building and land or to expand current facility – talking millions
Nicki says
All these years the Flagler Human Society has been in operation providing services to the homeless animals, and has never heard from Flagler County Officials or the City of Palm Coast Officials offering financial support to work with the Flagler Humane Society Board to expand or build a larger facility.
All these years they left that up to only the Flagler Humane Society a nonprofit organization to figure that out for themselves.
So, for those attacking the Flagler Humane Society Board of Directors as well as Amy Carotenuto Executive Director you need to stop with the negativity and add positive solutions to help Flagler County move forward for the protection of the homeless animals in our community.
Flagler Humane Society has done an outstanding job, their staff works passionately for the safety and care of all animals that enter that building, from the Board and Executive Director on down. The negative comments made publicly has been hurtful and unkind to the Flagler Humane Society Family.
Linda says
Still paying mortgage on building – it was not donated
Amy says
Carole, if you would like to meet up, I’m happy to show you all bank accounts, profit & loss statements, tax returns and reviews by Steve Barnier, CPA, CFP. If the County or city wishes to audit us, that would be welcomed, please reach out to me and we can meet up at your convenience. If you’ve never come to FHS, you can see everything for yourself.
Dennis C Rathsam says
Why not start a drive to collect moneys from those who love all of gods creatures. Do some rallys, put qt cans by the registers in stores, with photos. Maybe a go fund me ….
Joanne C says
I had that thought too. Seems like people would be glad to donate to the good cause.
Snoopy says
It’s kind of strange that all of a sudden people want to gripe about Mrs. Carotenuto and how the shelter is run. As a 35 five year resident of Palm Coast majority of the powers that be treated the shelter like out of sight out of mind. Leaving Mrs. Carotenuto in the lurch, having to figure out what to do next on her own. I don’t know her personally but I’ve had many interactions with her over the years there and she’s always been hands on and accessible. Haters are going to hate.
Get in the trenches with her and the rest of the staff and volunteers, through the storms and fires and then see how long you last. Sounds like someone either wants to divert money or create positions for family and friends or themselves.
Maxwell says
Those that are throwing stones and the witch hunt against the Flagler Humane Society need to put their negative efforts somewhere else, because they have made total fools of themselves.
They need to do their research and see what it costs to build a new shelter and how about going out and getting donations so that the Flagler Humane Society can expand as they want to and have thought about in ways that they can. Just because they don’t discuss their plans with other doesn’t mean they don’t have them.
The negative ones need to call all the shelters in Florida and hear how they are all full to the max not just the Flagler Humane Society.
Blame the backyard breeders that think they can make money breeding when those puppies end up at a shelter to find a home. Animal surrender goes on constantly all breeds shape and sizes, and the Flagler Humane Society takes them in and makes them feel at home until they find the correct match for their new home.
Lea says
No fools are ever made of people coming forward for the betterment of something. This something being our local animal shelter which is in Dire Straits. Animal stored in the food pantry, bathrooms Etc this is not where animals should be. The county and City need to collaborate to build a new shelter. But to name call and be critical of those wanting better for the animals is Shameless. Anyone that has a beating heart and cares about animals only once what’s best for them. We need to work together as a community not separately against each other to help the situation. Finger pointing a name calling serves no purpose.
Vincent says
Wouldn’t it be an accomplishment after these meetings that Flagler County and the City of Palm Coast be more financially supportive to the Flagler Humane Society which is what the Flagler Humane Society deserves for the years they have housed the homeless animals of Flagler County.
Flagler Humane Society needs the financial support from the County and the City of Palm Coast.
Instead of the negative people out there, there is a more positive solution.
Jonathan says
Honestly I think Flagler County needs to build a completely new shelter in a new area because that one is unsafe to get to and on top of that is an extremely neglected and dated facility.
With the rise of stray animals in this county I feel the county needs to come up with some type of facility that is way more caring and not anywhere near the way this old raggedy building stands today. Honestly I’m happy at least some go to places like Petco and PetSmart because at least those cages aren’t just a metal cage with little to no things for the animals to play it’s or be comfortable!
Bob says
That is a totally lie that building is hurricane proof and is inspected regularly. There we go with someone stating lies without facts. You are the problem in this county for homeless animals not their solution.
It cost more then 95 million to built a shelter these days do the taxpayers in Flagler County want their property taxes to go up for that expense.
Do your research before making false comments.
Just wait for it says
The original shelter was a much better design. Why wasn’t this shelter built like the old one? This one is the worst designed shelter I have ever seen.
Lea says
Don’t be critical of the volunteers or so-called whistleblowers that have come forward. They’ve come forward only for the good of the animals and have brought forth genuine information that needs to be shared with the public. It should have been shared a long time ago but has just recently been brought to light through the various city and county meetings. It has however brought up the fact that with the expansion of Palm Coast and all of the new residents moving here as well as the expansion into Flagler County westward, the need for a new shelter has finally been brought to light. A new modern shelter needs to be built somewhere within the county that can serve our animals with the quality care that is able to meet their needs. No animals should be kept behind bars for days on end with no daylight, kept in bathrooms,, the food pantry, offices Etc they deserve a home away from home that is comfortable and sufficient to provide them a genuine comfortable lifestyle while they remain at the shelter. These whistleblowers have brought this to light and now the county and City governments have taken notice and are finally stepping out to the plate and discussing ways to solve the animal overpopulation crisis at our privately owned Flagler Humane Society which accepts taxpayer dollars in order to continue to maintain the shelter. In other words, don’t shoot the messengers as they have brought something very important to light for the sake of the animals. As a community we love our animals and we only want what’s best for them.
Jessica Myers says
The takeaway from this entire situation should be the growing problem we have here in Flagler County with regards to stray/abandoned animals. People are surprised that FHS doesn’t have a capital campaign going for expansion? The municipal funds they receive are a fraction of their actual costs per animal! That doesn’t include their overhead, supplies, insurance etc etc….the list is astronomical! It’s easy to read an article or look at facts and numbers on paper, however this is not a true picture of “rescue” by any means! Anyone that wants to completely understand the reality of animal rescue, get involved, volunteer, if nothing else, go visit a rescue and ask questions! You will get the answers you seek and you will be shocked!
Lisa says
This is a MASSIVE issue, here are a few solutions/ideas to consider. More local outreach programs. Don’t dump your pet campaigns, Spay and Neuter campaigns, along with animal educations 9you have your idiots that don’t believe in either.. Seriously..). Even a breeding “pause” for a year. Find an unlicensed breeder, “tax/fine them. (more revenue) If there isn’t an ordnance for breeding.. MAKE ONE! Landlord/Tenant survey’s (one bad tenant or story ruins if for everyone). How about a survey of animal surrenders, and why? Try and find that cause! Without fosters and volunteers NO Rescue/shelter will survive this storm!