The city of Bismarck is poised to take over animal impoundment and shelter services for the next year and will go to voters in November's general election for a permanent solution.

Meeting Tuesday, the city commission approved a recommendation by Police Chief Deb Ness to lease the building owned by Jim Nelson and operated by Pet Connection Humane Society for $5,125 a month and pay for estimated building expenses of $20,660 - a total of $82,160 for the next year.

Furthermore, the commission authorized Ness to negotiate with parties interested in managing the facility. Pet Connection provided notice it will stop taking animals on July 17. Ness told commissioners that it is possible Pet Connection could be the manager, but she said other parties have shown interest in managing the facility. Ness will bring back a recommendation to the city commission in July.

While this will provide a short-term fix, at least for the next year, Commissioner Sandi Tabor provided some recommendations for a possible long-term solution.

Tabor said that the city, by state law, can levy up to a half-mill in property taxes for animal welfare.

The half-mill will raise between $70,000 and $75,000 annually. This money can be used to assist in running the pound and animal shelter. Other revenues may include license and impound fees along with contributions.

Ness added that Mandan Police Chief Dennis Rohr will seek a commitment from his city commission to fund 25 percent of what Bismarck provides. Tabor made the motion to place the question before voters in the November general election, and it passed unanimously.

While a favorable vote could provide adequate funding for operations, with Mandan's help, the city will still have to consider finding a building. Tabor said that Jim Nelson could probably lease the current building for much more than what he was asking from the city, but he was willing to wait a year, knowing the situation the city is facing.

The question of a suitable building will be brought to the budget committee for deliberation, Tabor said.

Ness said it will be up to the voters to decide whether the city will just be providing a pound or a shelter and a pound. The city is responsible for providing care for stray animals, but with pound services only, this could mean euthanizing the animals after three days.

The city currently pays Pet Connection $20 for each animal put up for adoption through the shelter.

A large group representing Pet Connection was on hand. Shelly Bank, representing the group, did tell commissioners the nonprofit was willing to continue operations for the next six months for an additional $3,000 a month. Commissioners were confused by what the offer entailed but were willing to consider it, if put in writing with the details.

Tabor noted that Ness had worked hard to come up with recommendations, based on the information provided by Nelson and the Pet Connection.