Title
Resolution to Approve Agreement between City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County for Animal Control Services ($135,570.00) and Designate Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) its Animal Shelter (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
City ordinance requires animals impounded by the City be confined at a City pound or animal shelter. For decades the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) has provided the service, funded by Washtenaw County. In March of 2013, HSHV and Washtenaw County contractually agreed that the county would provide a base funding amount of $500,000 and would seek a “pro rata” share of funding support from local governments with animal control ordinances. A task force chaired by the Washtenaw County sheriff verified that the HSHV cost for public animal control and sheltering animals is $951,793.
The recommended amount is based on the percentage of animals from Ann Arbor, with a reduction for a portion of the $500,000.00 provided to the HSHV by Washtenaw County.
The FY15 budget includes $105,000.00. Increased dog licensing revenue is projected to fund the remaining $32,570.00.
City ordinance requires the City have a city pound or agency that shall provide adequate water and wholesome food during the period of impoundment.
Efforts are underway to increase the level of dog licensing by promoting the ordinance requirement and the benefits from a license.
Staff
Prepared by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Ordinance Chapter 107 requires the City to designate a shelter for housing impounded animals;
Whereas, No such designation currently exists;
Whereas, It is recommended HSHV shall be designated as an animal shelter for the purposes of animal impound as authorized by Section 9:49(1) of the Ann Arbor City Code;
Whereas, Washtenaw County is no longer willing to fund animal control services for local governments with animal ordinances;
Whereas, A Task Force, chaired by the County Sheriff, has determined the Humane Society of Huron Valley is incurring an annual expense of $951,793.00 for public animal control and sheltering;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor’s prorata share of the HSHV’s public expense for is $135,570.00; and
Whereas, It is recommended the City of Ann Arbor pay the County of Washtenaw $135,570.00 for housing impounded (seized) and stray animals for animal cruelty investigations.
RESOLVED, That City Council designates the Humane Society of the Huron Valley as the City’s animal shelter per City Ordinance Chapter 107; and
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a contract with Washtenaw County, per the terms of the animal control agreement between the County and HSHV in the amount of $135,570.00 for July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.