To the editor:

As a taxpayer, I believe that it is important for public funds to be used in a manner that benefits the whole community. The animal shelter expansion for construction related fees should not be funded by taxpayer dollars. This $64,700 can offset other city expenses especially when there are other pressing city issues that require financial support, and we just had a tax increase, and the city council gave themselves a large monthly stipend.

I understand the importance of providing care and assistance to animals in need, and I fully support the efforts of the animal shelter in our community. However, funding for this shelter should come from alternative sources such as donations, grants, and private funding, rather than relying on tax dollars as it was originally proposed as a self-funded nonprofit when city leased the land to it in 2017 for $1 a year. Taxpayers already paid over $71,000 for construction related fees for the building.

Funding for animal shelters should be supplemented by contributions from individuals who are passionate about animal welfare. By encouraging private donations and sponsorships, we can ensure that the animal shelter has the necessary resources to continue their valuable work without burdening taxpayers.

I urge the mayor and city council not to consider the use of tax dollars to fund the animal shelter and to explore alternative funding options that do not place an additional financial strain on taxpayers. I believe that by adopting a more sustainable funding model, we can support the animal shelter while also addressing the diverse needs of our community. What will be next, the city taken over the whole operation of the animal shelter or start giving money to all other tax-exempt nonprofits in the city?

Lou Walker

Cape Coral