Animal Welfare League contract

He demanded audits, a public ledger, and intake records for the $882,000 contract, questioned the parvo quarantine versus 500 animals claim, and praised Ken Doherty's lone dissent — which Deutsch corrected was actually his own.

Demanded no more county dollars to AWL until a state-compliant independent audit is delivered, and criticized AWL board leadership.

Urged commissioners to reach a fair new contract with AWL, highlighting its volunteers, training and community value.

Emotional plea describing how AWL helped her adopt her cat and pleading with the board to keep supporting the shelter's animals.

Argued AWL deserves the funding increase and accused the board of scrutinizing it more harshly than other departments' budgets.

Tied senior health and social engagement to dog ownership, framing AWL funding as a health and welfare investment.

The AWL executive director confirmed at the mic that the shelter is willing to negotiate again and could meet as soon as that afternoon, but clarified that the $600,000 offer was never formally made — only $500,000.

Deep Creek volunteer asked the county to do right by AWL with a fair contract for the animals, volunteers and taxpayers.

AWL volunteer urged a fair new contract, noting the shelter holds strays 45–57 days versus the legal five and absorbs the cost.