Fairhaven Animal Shelter on the Cutting Block Amid Budget Debate

What Is Happening With The Fairhaven Animal Shelter

Concerns over the future of the Fairhaven animal shelter have been building in recent weeks, but town officials say the situation is more complicated than some rumors suggest.

Ahead of key budget discussions, Select Board member Andrew Romano pushed back on claims that the shelter is not included in the proposed override budget and will automatically close.

“The statement that the shelter is not included in the override budget and will close is false,” Romano said in a public statement. He added that he is advocating for an override that maintains all current town services. That funding would include the animal shelter, economic development and schools.

Why The Shelter Could Still Be At Risk

At the same time, Fairhaven Town Administrator Keith Hickey explained that this process is far from over. The shelter’s future still depends on how the budget process plays out.

“If a budget is approved with no override, the way I’ve presented it, the shelter would close,” Hickey said.

Hickey noted that one proposal under consideration would eliminate the town-run shelter as we know it, while continuing part-time animal control services and having volunteers run the shelter. Under that model, the town would contract with another facility for housing animals.

How Much Does The Shelter Cost The Town

The current animal control budget includes roughly $18,700 in operating expenses, along with salary cost of roughly $100,000 for a full-time officer. Hickey said shifting to a part-time role could save the town between $90,000 and $100,000.

What Happens Next In The Budget Process

Despite the uncertainty, officials emphasized that no final decisions have been made. The Select Board is expected to make recommendations, which will then go to Town Meeting in May. If an override is included and approved by voters in June, funding for the shelter could be restored or maintained.

Monday Night Protest Planned

A 30 minute "Don't Let Them Silence the Shelter" peaceful protest was planned for Monday night at 6 outside of Fairhaven Town Hall "to show the board that this community stands behind our shelter and its animals," according to an event post on Facebook.