Will Columbus animal control go private? Deal on hold after Paws Humane CEO leaves job
A deal to hand the city’s animal control and care services over to nonprofit Paws Humane is on pause after the group’s top executive left her post.
City officials announced the halt in negotiations during Tuesday’s Columbus Council meeting. Tricia Montgomery, Paws’ CEO, left the nonprofit Dec. 10.
Attempts by the Ledger-Enquirer to contact Montgomery before publication were unsuccessful. In a Facebook post Montgomery said she decided to “leave the organization and embark on new challenges.”
“During my time there, I have had the privilege to work alongside some incredible people, including Team, Board, Donors, Community and everyone in between. I have learned and unlearned so much from those that have supported me through the last two years,” Montgomery wrote.
What’s next for the city and Paws Humane?
It’s unclear how the city will move forward. Efforts to privatize Columbus’ animal control and care have spanned multiple months.
The city first sought bids for the animal control contract in April and received only one. Paws submitted its bid for the contract on April 30.
Planning and discussion between the two parties have pushed the takeover timeline back several times.
The council approved a measure last month that authorized the city manager to continue negotiations with Paws, and plans were in the works for the contract to begin January 2022.
City officials said Tuesday that Montgomery played a key role in the negotiations and that her departure creates problems.
“The only person (city staff) have negotiated with has been this leader,” said City Manager Isaiah Hugley. “Not board members — solely this person. And now, this person is gone. I don’t know where that places us. We just got to figure it out.”
The nonprofit is beginning its search for a new CEO, Brian Waters, president of the Paws Humane Board of Directors, told supporters in an email dated Dec. 10 and obtained by the L-E:
“After 2 years of serving as the CEO, Tricia Montgomery is no longer with us. We are grateful for everything Tricia has accomplished while serving at Paws, bringing a greater awareness about what we, and our fellow rescuers, do for our community. Please join us in wishing Tricia well as she embarks on a new journey,” he said. “As we begin our search for a new CEO, you have our assurance that your investments in our mission and programs are in good hands. Paws Humane has made great strides in the past year of which you should be very proud.”
Negotiations with Paws may resume if the city wants to move forward, Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin told Council.
This story was originally published December 17, 2021 at 3:33 PM.