Brownwood News – In a lengthy and at times contentious meeting Thursday night, the Board of Directors of the Corrine T. Smith Animal Center discussed the employment status of its shelter director, and the future of the organization itself.

The Animal Center building is owned by the City of Brownwood, but is operated under contract by the Corrine T. Smith Animal Center (CTSAC).  The City provides most of the public funding of the center, along with lesser amounts from Brown County and other cities in the county.  But the CTSAC must generate the great majority of its operating revenues through adoption fees, grants, donations, and other fund raising activities.

Over the last year the revenues have fallen, for various reasons, causing the shelter to operate at a deficit each month.  Board President John Morris said this cannot continue forever, and if revenues and expenses can not be brought into balance, they may have no choice but to turn the Animal Center back over to the City.  CTSAC would then transition into an organization that raises money for spay and neuter programs.

Board Member Ed McMillian, who is also on the Brownwood City Council and is the City’s representative on the CTSAC Board, said the City does not want to operate the shelter.  He also reminded the audience that while the Animal Center is currently a virtual no-kill shelter, with at least 97% of the animals being placed in homes or rescue organizations, if the City takes back the shelter, they would have no obligation to keep the animals beyond a three-day minimum.

All agreed that the Animal Center needs more financial support through donations from the citizens of Brown County.

The biggest part of the meeting was spent discussing the employment status of shelter Director Leona Cleveland.  The Board acknowledged that Cleveland has done a good job of cleaning up the shelter, caring for the animals, and placing them in homes.  But some Board members criticized her for failure to manage the budget properly, poor relations with the City Animal Control officers, and insubordination toward the Board.

In the public comment part of the meeting, over a dozen persons, including current and former shelter staff personnel, spoke in support of Cleveland.  A few spoke in opposition, and at times voices were raised, requiring them to be gaveled quiet by President John Morris.

The meeting agenda called for a vote of action on the continued employment or termination of Cleveland.  But ultimately the Board voted to continue her employment on a 90-day probationary period, and attempt to resolve any problems.

In other business, the Board voted to accept a new Board member, local attorney Chelsea Timmons, and to accept the resignation of three Board members:  Fran Brown, Barbie Chapman, and Jordan Magaha.

The next Board meeting will be on May 28.