(Stillwater, OK) – The City of Stillwater has a proposition on the ballot for a new Animal Welfare facility, that if passes, would allow for a facility to meet the community's existing and future needs for decades to come. Early voting ends today at 6 p.m., at the Payne County Administration Building and the Cushing Chamber of Commerce. Election Tuesday, April 1, voting will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at regular polling locations. Voter registration information and polling location can be found online at votepaynecounty.com.
If the proposition passes by majority, which is 50% plus 1 vote, a new Animal Welfare would be located near the airport and Sanborn Lake, with no adjacent neighborhoods. This project will allow future connections to walking trails, the lake, and ballfields. It is only two miles north of Oklahoma State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Currently, Animal Welfare and OSU Vet. Med. have a partnership regarding spay/neuter and vaccinations. A larger, healthier facility could open the door for more collaboration to meet animal health concerns and educational opportunities.
A new Animal Welfare facility would allow the City and the Humane Society to each have their own facility and the ability to take in more animals, provide greater services, and continue coverage of all areas of town. The City looks forward to continued partnership with the Humane Society, and discussions and efforts to strengthen avenues for progress that will benefit the entire community and surrounding areas.
The Humane Society has been located on the north side of the Animal Welfare facility for several years, with an annual rent of $1 and with the City covering utility expenses. If the proposition passes, the Humane Society will have the option to continue this partnership and utilize the entire facility, versus only half. Comprehensive animal welfare in a community is accomplished through the collaboration of various organizations, working together to address all aspects of animal health and safety, which in turn impact the overall quality of life within the community.
The City also looks forward to the continued partnership with Tiny Paws, as the annual facility contract renewal was recently signed by City Council, and the organization helps meet the ever-growing kitten and cat needs, with health and adoptions.
Residents and patrons utilized Stillwater Animal Welfare almost 1,000 times more in 2024, during times of need and emergency, with 4,760 calls for service. Some of the calls included - removal of animals (alive and deceased) from roadways, parks, and neighborhoods; investigation of animal-related neglect, nuisance, and bite cases; code enforcement; and disease isolation and control with rabid animals.
The proposition is for $8.75 million, for 15 years, with the lowest interest rate possible. How would this affect property owners and their annual tax payments? If the proposition passes, it would be an increase of approximately $60 a year, for a home valued at $240,000. This is based on the estimated maximum levy, to ensure that amount will not increase over the life of the bond.
For additional information regarding the existing facility, schematic designs/renderings, and floor plan for a new facility, including financial details, go to stillwaterok.gov/animalwelfare.
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