Report Prepared by: Jeremy Salyers, Lieutenant Merced Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of First Amendment to the Animal Control Services Contract with the County of Merced to Extend the Term of the Agreement for One Additional Year for the Housing, Handling, Securing, Transfer and Disposition of Dogs and Cats Captured by Ordinance or Code and Delivered by the City’s Designated Animal Control Provider
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a one-year amendment to the existing Animal Control Services contract with the County of Merced (Contract #329) to continue providing housing, handling, and related services for animals impounded by the City of Merced. The proposed amendment extends the contract term through June 30, 2027.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving First Amendment to Services Agreement with the County of Merced to extend the agreement for Animal Control services for one additional year through June 30, 2027; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or
2. Deny the request; or
3. Refer back to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or
4. Continue to a future City Council Meeting.
AUTHORITY
City Charter Section 200 and Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2026-2027 Proposed Budget.
DISCUSSION
The County of Merced operates the Merced County Animal Shelter, which provides housing, handling, securing, transfer, and disposition services for animals impounded by the City of Merced. The County remains the only local provider capable of delivering these services at the required capacity and regulatory compliance levels.
The City’s designated Animal Control personnel capture and transport animals within the city limits to the Merced County Animal Shelter, where the County provides sheltering, care, and disposition services as required.
The current agreement between the City of Merced and the County of Merced established a three-year term for these services beginning in July 2023. Staff is requesting approval to extend the contract for one additional year, allowing services to continue uninterrupted while the City evaluates future long-term service options. The County of Merced is currently working to align all participating agency contracts, so they expire during the same year. Extending the City’s contract for one additional year at the current rate will align the City of Merced’s agreement with other agencies that utilize animal services through Merced County.
From July 2023 through June 2026, the City of Merced will incur the following expenditures related to animal control services under this agreement:
Staffing Costs
A fixed rate of $19,047.14 per month, totaling $685,697.04 during this period.
Animal Services Costs
An average rate of $10,000 per month, totaling $360,000.00.
Vehicle Costs
A fixed cost of $109,296.92 allocated toward two vehicles used to support animal control operations.
These costs represent the City’s share of staffing, operational services, and equipment necessary for the continued provision of animal control and shelter services.
The proposed amendment will extend the contract term through June 30, 2027. The estimated costs below are provided by Merced County Animal Shelter for one-year of service:
Staffing Costs
$19,047.14 per month × 12 months = $228,566
Animal Services Operational Costs
Average $9,167 per month × 12 months = $110,000
Total Estimated One-Year Cost = $338,566
With this amendment, the estimated total contract cost for the four-year period will be $1,493,559.96, calculated as follows:
Original Contract Total: $1,154,993.96
Estimated One-Year cost: $338,566
Estimated Total Contract: $1,493,559.96
Approval of this amendment will allow the City to continue receiving essential animal housing and shelter services without disruption while maintaining compliance with state and local requirements related to animal control and shelter operations.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No budget appropriation is needed; funding for the contract extension will be incorporated into the annual budget process.
Continuing the agreement with the Merced County Animal Shelter ensures that City maintains a reliable and cost-effective solution for animal housing, sheltering, and disposition services.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Merced County Animal Services Contract #329 2023-2026 EXECUTED
2. Merced County Animal Services Contract #329 Amendment #1 Exp 6-30-27