NEVADA CITY, Calif. April 24, 2018 – Sheriff Keith Royal reached out today to Cheryl Wicks and Curt Romander, the co-founders of Sammie’s Friends, and proposed a contract extension and further negotiations regarding the non-profits’ running of the Nevada County Animal Shelter.
The contract for services was up for renewal and a recommendation was made to award the bid to Placer County instead of Sammie’s Friends – who has operated the animal shelter for Nevada County for the past seven and a half years.
The public outrcry at the recommendation was swift, emails, phone calls and letters to the Board of Supervisors asking for reconsideration and over a hundred people showing up to today’s board meeting and expressing their position.
Sheriff Royal, in a phone call to Wicks and Romander, suggested a contract extension and to continue work with the group for a successful resolution.
“I really want a good resolution and a plan to move forward for Sammie’s. They are a beloved organization in this community,” Royal stated in a call to YubaNet. He wants to extend the existing contract for a year and convene a group to work on a permanent contract. Captain Jeff Pettitt will represent the Sheriff’s Office and members of the county’s CEO staff will also attend. The initial meeting will take place this week.
Wicks was very happy to hear from the Sheriff, stating “I told him there is no person I’d rather talk to right now.” She is looking forward to productive negotiations and repeated her ultimate goal, “I want what’s best for the animals and Sammie’s.”
The community support received so far has been overwhelming Wicks said, adding that NCSO took a giant leap towards a resolution. “But it is not over until you sign on the dotted line.”
For his part, Sheriff Royal wants a long-term plan, both for the county’s animal shelter and Sammie’s.
Tomorrow, Sammie’s Friends is holding a town hall at The Foothills Event Center in Grass Valley at 5:30 pm. The public is encouraged to attend and bring their questions and comments.
As a volunteer for Northern California Weimaraner Rescue since 2006, I have personally worked with Sammies Friends over the years to foster and place dogs in their care. This “no kill shelter” is critical to the welfare of adoptable animals and this community has strong feelings and commitment to Sammies. As a resident, business owner a numerous property owner in Grass Valley, I am thrilled that the powers that be are willing to extend and work with this group. BRAVO!