Hamilton health department proposes 33% animal-control budget increase to add part-time attendants, staff say

The Hamilton health department on April 16 presented a 2025 animal-control budget that staff said includes a roughly 33% increase driven largely by salary step increases, added part-time attendant funding and a newly budgeted volunteer coordinator.

"The vast majority is gonna be contractual: raises and steps," said Chris, a health department staff member, explaining the largest drivers behind the increase. Staff also said the budget adds roughly $27,000 for part-time attendants on top of previous part-time funding and includes funding for a volunteer-coordinator position that has been filled this year.

Council members repeatedly pressed staff for a clearer accounting of how the part-time and overtime lines add up to a $221,000 overall increase in animal-control salaries and wages. "There's a $221,000 increase. I would just like an answer because 3 part timers doesn't…