WODONGA mayor Rodney Wangman says his council has no plans to privatise the city’s pound but a note in the draft budget outlines an intention to review and-or outsource its services.
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The proposal came to light after a Melbourne-based dog rescue volunteer was told directly of plans to put the pound out to tender when she sought to reverse a council decision to euthanase a dog.
Ahead of Monday’s council budget meeting, Cr Wangman said the volunteer, Angii Rotblat had misunderstood their conversation about the pound.
The council’s acting chief executive Trevor Ierino has denied Ms Rotblat’s claims regarding the pound’s privatisation but with a proviso that it has no plans for a formal tendering process “at this time”.
Cr Wangman is yet to comment on the statement in the council’s draft budget but the council should clarify the meaning of the budget note and give those operating the pound, volunteers from Wodonga Dog Rescue, a clear indication of its plans for the facility.
The council is planning capital works at the site but if it is as yet undecided about the pound’s future, it would be wise to invite comment from the operators and the wider community.