Paul Koski, a 46-year resident of Nucla and who did serve as town trustee for six years previously, went before Nucla’s town board as a spokesperson for Hoof & Paw to update them on the status of the shelter’s roof repairs. Koski is Hoof & Paw’s board treasurer and is coordinating the roof renovation project.
Koski said Hoof & Paw will use Jeff Sonnenberg for the labor. Alpine Lumber has the materials list and indicated they’d either donate part or all of the estimated $6,700 in lumber. While Koksi spoke with someone at Alpine Lumber Feb. 9, he’d not heard back by the time of the board meeting Feb. 11.
Hoof & Paw has raised $5,000 for the labor, and they’re asking the Town of Nucla for assistance with the rest, a total of $9,750.
“It’s a vital service to all communities and the county, providing a no-kill animal rescue,” Koski said. “We do our darnedest to find homes for the animals.”
He added Hoof & Paw works with the feral cat population, spaying and neutering animals, helping all wayward animals in general.
Koski said he was ready to answer any questions trustees had and that Hoof & Paw would like a commitment from the town for a donation.
“We’d appreciate any help you can give us,” Koski said.
He acknowledged the animal nonprofit is constantly asking for money. He wished Hoof & Paw could be tax-funded. Montrose County does give $12,000 a year, however, and that helps. The Town of Naturita donates the building, estimated at $7,800 for in-kind donations, and the town covers water and electric. It also repaired the drain issue back in the fall, a huge help to the shelter.
Mayor Paula Brown said she understood the animal rescue needed a commitment, but she said it was important to have all the numbers.
“That’s where I pause is that unknown,” she said. “My thing is not having all the information makes it hard to make an informed decision.”
As the board deliberated, Koski asked Hoof & Paw executive director Tonya Stephens to give an update, summarizing the presentation she gave to the Town of Naturita earlier in the week.
Stephens said a recent $3,000 grant has funded a surgical table for the vet room the shelter is providing. Next will be obtaining an anesthesia machine. She said Hoof & Paw’s vet bill had climbed to $16,000, though they paid on it continuously. She’s grateful they were just able to pay the balance off, thanks to various community donations.
They’re now finishing a cat shelter at the thrift store. No nursing felines or sick cats will be at the retail space, only healthy cats ready for a home. Stephens added the animal rescue helped at least 260 animals last year.
Coming right up is the nonprofit’s annual chili dinner and auction, set for April 12.
The mayor discussed with trustees that Montrose County does give the Town of Nucla $15,000 typically every year, and the town uses the funds to assist local nonprofits. The mayor said the money is likely coming, but not confirmed. She said the board is committed to helping Hoof & Paw in some way, however.
Trustee Joseph Hittinger said he was willing to dedicate funds, but still felt unclear not having Alpine Lumber’s specific contribution. Mayor Pro Tem Tim Pierce said the town wouldn’t be able to give Hoof & Paw as much as $5,000.
“We appreciate any support,” Koski said.
It was decided that when Hoof & Paw received Alpine Lumber’s numbers, they’d promptly provide the board with the information, so they could decide the exact donation amount.
