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RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE MAYOR OR DESIGNEE TO DEVELOP LEGISLATION CREATING ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD

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WHEREAS, in Resolution No. R-647-12, this Board approved a straw ballot asking the electors of Miami-Dade County whether they would be in favor of this Board �increasing the countywide general fund millage by 0.1079 mills and applying the additional ad valorem tax revenues generated thereby to fund improved animal services, including decreasing the killing of adoptable dogs and cats�.�.�. ; reducing stray cat populations�.�.�.�; and funding free and low-cost spay/neuter programs, low-cost veterinary care programs, and responsible pet ownership educational programs�; and
WHEREAS, in the November 6, 2012 General Election, the voters of Miami-Dade County overwhelmingly voted �yes� on the straw ballot question, with approximately 64% voting in favor of increased funding for improved animal services programs; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative to provide an advisory board of citizens and animal experts to make recommendations as to the use of the up to 0.1079 mills of additional taxes that may be levied to provide the improved animal services approved in the November 6, 2012 straw ballot, to assure the voters that their money is being used for the purposes they intended; and
WHEREAS, the Animal Services Director and other members of the Mayor�s administration have unique expertise in the field of animal care and control and in management of resources allocated to those purposes; and
WHEREAS, this Board desires to obtain the input of the County Mayor in considering priorities for achieving the goals of the straw ballot language and in drafting legislation to create an advisory board to review any funding that may be allocated for improved animal services,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board hereby directs the Mayor or his designee to prepare legislation creating an advisory board of citizens and animal experts with the power to audit, monitor, review, and make recommendations concerning the implementation of the up-to-0.1079 mills of additional funding for improved animal services that this Board may allocate in response to voter approval of the November 6, 2012 straw ballot asking for support of such programs. The Mayor is hereby directed to present the legislation within 90 days of the adoption of this resolution.