Title
Resolution to Approve Agreement between City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County for Animal Control Services ($135,570.00)
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 $500,000.00 and would seek a “pro rata” share of funding support from local governments with animal control ordinances. 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 FY16 police budget includes $135,570.00 for animal control services.
City ordinance requires the City have a city pound or agency that shall provide adequate water and wholesome food during the period of impoundment.
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, Resolution R-14-245 designated the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) as the animal shelter for the purposes of City animal impounds authorized by Section 9:49(1) of the Ann Arbor City Code;
Whereas, It is recommended HSHV be reaffirmed as the designated animal shelter for the purposes of City animal impound under the proposed Agreement between the City and Washtenaw County for Animal Control Services;
Whereas, The County HSHV Task Force, chaired by the County Sheriff, determined the Humane Society of Huron Valley is incurring an annual expense of $951,793.00 for public animal control and sheltering;
Whereas, Washtenaw County is no longer willing to fund animal control services for local governments with Animal Ordinances;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor’s pro-rata 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 reaffirms the designation of the Humane Society of the Huron Valley as the City’s animal shelter per City Ordinance Chapter 107;
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, 2015 to June 30, 2016; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized and directed to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution.