The Kankakee County Finance Committee on Sept. 18 approved proposed fee increases for the county animal control program to address higher operating costs, the sheriff
s office told the committee.

Carrie (sheriff
s office representative) said animal control is not funded by the county
s general fund; it relies on fee revenue from rabies tags, adoptions and other service charges. The office reported recent cost pressures from higher prices for food, vaccines, cleaning supplies and veterinary care. Staff also noted a heavy intake on the day of the meeting — 28 dogs, including 16 puppies — that increased short‑term costs.

Nut graf: Because the animal control operation is self‑funded by fees, staff recommended raising rates to keep the program solvent as supply and medical costs have risen; the committee approved the fee schedule change after brief discussion about potential unintended consequences, such as increased abandonments.

During discussion, board members raised a concern that higher surrender fees could lead some people to release animals instead of paying surrender charges; staff acknowledged that risk but said released animals generally lead to calls to animal control and the county would continue to respond. The packet included a comparison of other counties
fees, but staff cautioned the comparisons were imperfect because funding structures vary across counties (some use general fund support).

Formal action: the committee approved the proposed fee increases; the motion was made by Weber and seconded by Allawi and carried on roll call with all present voting aye.

Discussion versus decision: the record shows committee discussion focused on program funding and operational impact; the vote implemented the recommended fee increases. Staff noted that any revenue from the fee increases will remain with the animal control program rather than the general fund.

Ending: Sheriff
s office staff will implement the new fee schedule and continue to monitor intake and medical expenditure trends for follow-up reporting to the committee.