The Vicksburg Warren Humane Society seems to have gotten a reprieve from its money woes, at least long enough to give hope that new officers and directors taking office in January will be able to get the organization on sound financial ground.

In August, officers said they were in such financial straits they might have had to shut the doors of the society’s animal shelter on U.S. 61 South by Nov. 1. That date came and passed, and president Taffi Mills said the doors are still open.

The society gets $1,000 per month from Warren County through a local and private authorization bill and another $9,000 or so from the Combined Federal Campaign. That leaves $40,000 or so that must be raised every year through donations.

It takes about $5,000 a month to keep the shelter open.

“We have been doing pretty good on donations right now,” Mills said.

With time volunteered by Leadership Vicksburg participants and the donations, Mills said the society leadership believes they will be able to hang on at least two more months.

Mills said she was confident the society’s situation will improve in 2001.

The society built the U.S. 61 South shelter to replace an inadequate one on Mount Alban Road. The society no longer gets funding from the City of Vicksburg. The city operates its own animal shelter off North Washington Street.