By ERIN SOCHA
Kansas Reflector
OSAWATOMIE — In a unanimous vote by the city council, the city of Osawatomie has agreed to sell its city-owned pound to Always and Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit animal rescue in Miami county.
Tensions had flared between the two entities after a popular social media post instigated community outrage over a dysfunctional air conditioner and a state inspection that found the kennels in disrepair. The city had considered cutting ties with the nonprofit, which would have meant the shelter would start euthanizing animals.
City manager Michael Scanlon recommended the agreement to the city council on Thursday.
“We believe Always & Furever has the financial capabilities and operational know-how to make our animal shelter one of the best in Kansas and throughout the Midwest,” Scanlon said in a statement to KCTV5. “It’s time for us to step out of their way and lead our community in supporting a no-kill shelter for Miami County.”
The purchase price will be decided after an appraisal. Always and Furever has agreed to purchase the property “as-is.”
“Always and Furever has earned the confidence of this city,” Scanlon said at the meeting.
Volunteers and supporters of Always and Furever breathed a collective sigh of relief on Thursday after the deal was reported and shared on Always and Furever’s Facebook page.
“We cannot thank the City enough for first placing their faith and trust in us four years ago to be the sole caretakers of the pound animals (which included Miami County and Paola animals) and for again tonight putting their faith in our promise to always protect and serve their community animals,” said Jennifer Dulski, founder of the nonprofit, in a Facebook post.