Use money from fines for animals

There is no question that the Yuma area has an outdated and inadequate humane society facility. The volunteers and staff have done the very best with what they have over the years, but the number of animals and community needs has grown almost exponentially.
 
Land has already been donated for construction of a new facility. Design has been completed and now various fundraisers and contributions are helping to generate funds for its construction. Think about it, this is an activity that serves our entire community, both city and county. We need it now. 
 
In order to help generate additional funding resources, I recommend that a percentage of all traffic, drug-related, criminal and zoning violation fines be set aside in an account to be used toward the critically needed new humane society facilities. Make it equitable; for example, say 25 percent of those fines levied for the next six months.
 
I challenge the city and county administration to consider this and make it happen. Let's think how we can make this work, not how we cannot. The minimal accounting needed could be accommodated with existing resources. If it takes a waiver of policy or modifying a computer spreadsheet, do it.
 
In closing, there are so many good ideas cited in these letters to the editor by concerned citizens, but only too often they just fade into the sunset because no one takes any action. In that regard, I respectfully invite the city and/or county administrators to favorably consider this recommendation and to respond in this column if this can be implemented  or regretfully if it cannot, then why not. That way we will all know where you stand on this issue. I only hope the recommendation does not fall on deaf ears.


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ANTHONY G. BOTTONE
Yuma