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DeKalb County to Continue Animal Shelter Payments through Year while Negotiations Continue
Summary
Commissioners agreed to resume payment for animal shelter services for the rest of 2025 and directed a single commissioner to lead contract talks for a new agreement by Jan. 1, 2026.
DeKalb County commissioners voted to continue monthly payments to the county’s animal shelter through Dec. 31, 2025, while staff negotiate a revised contract.
The action came after the shelter stopped accepting animals late in July because the county had missed a payment. Commissioners decided to pay the missed month and continue the established monthly allocation until they finalize a new written contract by Jan. 1, 2026.
Why it matters: Commissioners said continuing payments will keep animal care services in place this year and give the county time to negotiate service scope, costs and written terms. The board directed a single commissioner—Jim—to handle negotiations to avoid confusion in communications with the shelter.
At the meeting, county staff said there is no current, fully executed contract covering the period after January 2022; historically payments ran on a Jan.–Dec. cycle. Commissioners approved a motion to pay July’s missed invoice and to continue regular payments through year-end while staff and the shelter negotiate a formal agreement for next year. They also asked county fiscal staff to watch fund balances and make transfers if necessary.
What was decided and next steps: The motion to continue payments carried. Commissioner Jim will be the county’s lead negotiator with the shelter; commissioners said they expect a new contract by Jan. 1, 2026, or an alternative service plan.
The meeting record shows the board discussed potential interim transfers from budget lines to cover unpaid amounts and noted the county may need to reallocate funds if unplanned payments occurred earlier in the year.
The commissioners did not adopt or approve a new contract at the meeting; they only approved continued payments and assignment of a negotiator. Staff said they will return with a proposed contract and any required budget adjustments.
