The Houlton Humane Society board of directors met Monday evening, June 20 at 5:30 p.m., a meeting published and open to the public. Following standard meeting procedure, a shelter report was given, financial report presented and reviewed, details planned for the July 2 booth at the Fair and then an in depth review from the finance committee’s search for an accounting firm to perform an audit was presented.
A finance committee was formed to reach out to accountants to determine who was available, what the time frame is and approximate cost. After numerous calls two local firms have responded and an appointment made to discuss the process. The audit process is lengthy and time consuming but the completion of an internal audit as the first step should assist in a full and thorough review of all accounting by a qualified CPA.
The next item of business was an historical review of the four months of hard work and dedication by the board to restructure, review all policy and procedure, inventory supplies, interview veterinarians, rebuild the board and assure the health and welfare of the animals, all while continuing the 24/7 job of doing just that, caring for the animals. Following a review of what has been accomplished, mistakes made and lessons learned, as well as much accomplished, a detailed list of work still ahead was presented.
An in-depth review of the by-laws is underway and several changes were approved at the meeting, including a shift in job titles, reinstituting the shelter manager title and president title instead of chairman of the board. While simple semantics, these changes will remove any confusion that may have existed.
The by-laws have also been amended to allow open membership, setting membership dues at $10 per person, $6 for seniors, $20 for families. Open membership has been a part of Houlton Humane for over 60 years and that tradition of public support continues to be honored as we invite you to join us in our work.
Moving forward we will be working on building a new website, a training program for staff (who have done a remarkable job but in-service training should be a part of every healthy organization), a new adoption policy and procedure as it relates to spaying and neutering, instituting random in-home visits for new adopters and more.
On a personal note I would just like to thank the entire board for their hard work and dedication. Many board members work full-time jobs, then go to meetings and work diligently for hours to assure that every policy and procedure is reviewed, from personnel to bylaws, adoption, spay-neuter, etc – a huge undertaking but long needed. The sole purpose is to assure that the best interests of the animals are served. To that end, old outdated documents need to be examined and adjusted to meet today’s corporate non profit rules and regulations, to address current employment law, to assure fiscal responsibility when handling public funds. It is a very long process and this board takes this responsibility very seriously.
Our next meeting will be announced shortly. We look forward to your input and you are welcome to attend. All meetings are public.
The Houlton Humane Society Board of Directors are: Cathy Davis, president; Nancy Waldron, vice president; Laura Marley, secretary; Barbara Murray, treasurer; and board members Dorene Humphrey, Linda Sewell, Tana McNutt, Wendy Folsom and Bart Virgie. The shelter manager is Ramona Conrad.
Thank you! And most important, Please Adopt! The Shelter has over 30 beautiful animals available for adoption including gorgeous kittens! They need new homes, please consider adding one to your family!
