Report Prepared by: Leone Pintabona, Lieutenant Merced Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of the Animal Control Contract with the County of Merced to Provide 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 and the Approval of a Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $260,000 from the Unreserved, Unencumbered General Fund Balance to Support the Established Trap Neuter Return Program
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving an agreement with the County of Merced to provide services for the housing and handling of animals impounded at the Merced County Animal Shelter.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a contract with the County of Merced to provide services for the housing and handling of animals impounded at the Merced County Animal Control Shelter; and,
B. Approving a Supplemental Appropriation in the amount of $260,000 from the unreserved, unencumbered General Fund balance; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy 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 2023-2024 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The County of Merced is the only provider of Animal Control Services; therefore it is recommended that this contract be adopted by the City Council.
The City of Merced provides animal services within the Merced City limits. Animals that are taken into custody by city personnel are delivered to the Merced County Animal Shelter (MCACS), which is operated by the County of Merced. MCACS provides services that pertain to the housing and handling of animals taken to their facility by city personnel.
Attached is an agreement for the contracting of those housing and handling services provided by the County of Merced. The following is a fee schedule for such services provided by the County of Merced:
1. Eighty-five dollars and no cents ($85.00) per live animal, eight (8) weeks of age or older for the first four (4) days of housing. In the case of rabies quarantine, ten (10) days of housing.
2. Seventy-five dollars and no cents ($75.00) per animal for euthanasia services requested by City.
3. Ten dollars and no cents ($10.00) per litter, where the animals are less than eight (8) weeks of age and housed less than two (2) days.
4. Ten dollars and no cents ($10.00) per deceased animal brought to County for disposal.
5. Any additional costs defined under the terms of this agreement.
In addition, MCACS in partnership with local service providers and at the request of the City Council designed a Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program to address feral animals within the greater community. This contract also provides for a propositional share of the necessary staffing associated with this program to be charged back to the City of Merced, along with a share of cost for the required vehicle to facilitate transportation.
No fee will be assessed for:
1. Animals redeemed or released by their owners after payment of costs.
2. Animals which have been designated as escaped or missing by County which have been housed less than two (2) days.
The City will implement controls to assure that the City is being assessed the correct fees for services rendered. These controls include requiring an incident number/report with the acceptance of any animal at the shelter from the City of Merced. Any veterinary services will be obtained through a City approved vendor. Invoices are to include the age of each animal accepted at the shelter, and the owner will be charged for services when verified. The term of this contract shall be three (3) years, unless sooner terminated.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
The average cost of services over the last three years has been $180,558 per year and $200,000 is appropriated for Animal Control Services in the fiscal year 2023-24 Adopted budget. As a result of the enhanced services associated with the TNR program staff are requesting a supplemental appropriation of $260,000 out of the unencumbered, unreserved General Fund balance to support the necessary services. Additional funding in future years will be included as part of the annual budget process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Animal Control Services Contract