December 27th, 2014 by WCBC Radio
The Cumberland Times News reports, the public relations firm of McClarran and Williams Inc., may have had their charter forfeited by the State of Maryland. The firm represents the Allegany County Animal Sheiter. The Times-News has asked the firm whether they may be registered properly under another name.
The firm was penalized among other things for failure to file a property tax return
After a groundbreaking, the shelter announced a shift in plans for a future shelter costing far less than the anticipated $2.5 million. At the same time, a shelter representative privately indicated that public contrition over a failure to help dogs at McGill Drive may have been a facade. Instead, public and media scrutiny were a "witch hunt" according to documents available to the Times-News.According to the state forfeited means : the “legal existence” of the entity has been relinquished and it is usually for failing to make required Annual Report/Personal Property Return filings for prior years."
Despite public monies for shelter operations, Allegany County Commissioners have washed their hands of responsibility for the shelter. Commissioners turned operation of the shelter over to the Allegany County Animal Shelter Management Foundation last year. They have told concerned citizens to speak with the county Animal Control Board, which is dominated by foundation members or supporters.
The foundation runs the county shelter because of an agreement with the county. The county still expends money for shelter operations and is supporting a state bond bill to build a new shelter. Plans for a new shelter changed dramatically after a groundbreaking and requests for donation earlier this year. The shelter says it is seeking $250,000 from a state bond bill and more money from state and county sources for operating and building expenses.
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