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The negotiation process between the city of San Jose and the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority for animal care and shelter services has been a long and tedious one to say the least, with both sides presenting competitive prices and levels of service. However, the issue may be resolved even before the extended Jan. 25 deadline that board members gave for cities to withdraw from the once six-member agency.
At a Dec. 17 Saratoga City Council meeting, council members voted to stay with SVACA, despite San Jose's offer to provide services at an annual cost of approximately $175,000, plus a capital contribution of $300,000 for the expansion of its existing facility. However, this decision is contingent upon which direction the town of Los Gatos decides to take.
"Unfortunately, we're in a chicken-and-egg situation," said Councilman Nick Streit. "If Los Gatos pulls out, SVACA would make no sense."
According to the city's attorney, Richard Taylor, Saratoga would be able to reverse its decision if Los Gatos decides to withdraw as long as it is before the deadline date. However, if Los Gatos makes a decision at the last minute, Saratoga may be locked in.
Vice Mayor Kathleen King said that making a decision now may influence Los Gatos to take a similar action. She also encouraged staff to continue discussions with Cupertino, which was the second city after Sunnyvale to announce its withdrawal from the organization back in September 2003 due to financial constraints.
Under a six-member agency, Saratoga's portion in annual operational costs would be approximately $138,000, in addition to a $300,000 capital contribution that would go toward the purchase of a new facility on Thomas Road. The capital contribution, which is more than $200,000 less than the original figure calculated prior to the negotiation process, would buy the city 5.1 percent of the 17,200-square foot building.
"This could be a substantial investment of return if the building is ever sold in the future," said Councilman Norman Kline.
However, if Cupertino and Los Gatos still decide to bow out of the organization, Saratoga's portion would increase to $183,000.
For these figures, SVACA will provide a number of services at no additional charge, although not requested by Saratoga in the Request for Proposal letter submitted in November. These services include one-year licensing for animals adopted from the new SVACA animal shelter, outreach and educational programs for schools, civic groups and community organizations, a week of housing for animals owned by victims of domestic violence and assistance for spay and neutering options.
SVACA's executive director, Debra Biggs, said that plans to obtain the new facility will go forward, regardless of whether or not the municipalities in question will remain. She said she anticipates the shelter will be open sometime between 2005 and 2006.
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