Carthage Humane Society terminating contract with city

CARTHAGE, Mo. — The City of Carthage received an unexpected letter Tuesday (1/7), severing the tie between them and the Carthage Humane Society.

It may be the Carthage Humane Society, but now the only thing associating it with the city, is the name.

"The humane society has decided to terminate the contract with the City of Carthage,” said Carthage Mayor, Alan Snow.

Carthage Humane Society Board President, Renay Minshew says they've been trying to come to an agreement with the city since last summer. Much of the negotiating surrounds funding.

"We wanted to remain the Carthage Humane Society because that's our town,” said Minshew.

Minshew says the city gives them about $50,000 dollars a year, which only covers a little more than 9% of their total yearly budget, which is around $500,000 dollars. Payroll is the biggest expense.

"It still wasn't because we were paying huge salaries to anyone. We're just a small shelter here,” said Minshew.

Carthage Mayor, Alan Snow says city leaders had been meeting with those at the humane society in an attempt to come up with some solutions.

“I don't believe there was any indication in that last meeting that we weren't willing to make some changes to our contract,” said Mayor Snow.

But, there were some disagreements as to how much the city should contribute.

"If the city were to double the contract amount, it still wouldn't be enough to cover their monthly expenses, and so at that point whether they will be able to continue operating or not is unsure at this time,” said Mayor Snow.

For now, the facility will rely solely on donations to continue operating.

"We are going to be fundraising, and fundraising, and fundraising,” said Minshew.

Both sides say they're open to coming back to the negotiating table.