Animal control expands low-cost spay/neuter program; building renovation timeline uncertain

Chelsea Angelo, director of Champaign County Animal Control, told the board the department is expanding low-cost spay and neuter services through a contract with the University of Illinois and with five local veterinary clinics, targeting an estimated cost of about $50 per animal through the university mobile clinic. Angelo said the program addresses rising intake at the county shelter, long waiting lists and an increase in impounded animals. "We are very fortunate to have the University of Illinois. They have a mobile spay clinic, and they are spaying and neutering for us on a monthly basis... it breaks down to about $50 an animal," Angelo said. The presentation said the department’s total projected revenue was about $804,000 and that an upgraded shelter-management software (Chameleon) should improve licensing compliance and revenue capture; staff expect more revenue once automated reminders and electronic payments reduce missed rabies-tag collections. Angelo said the $150,000 that had been appropriated for construction of a new Animal Control building at 1911 East Main Street will be returned to the general fund because construction has not started and available funds were insufficient to complete required upgrades. Michelle (facility staff) said an assessment found the 1911 East Main Street building uses residential HVAC systems and requires multiple corrections before occupancy; facilities work is being prioritized and ARPA-funded projects elsewhere are taking precedence. The county will not appropriate the $150,000 again in FY26 until a clear construction plan and cost estimate are ready. Angelo said there is a recent $10,000 software refund and that the state rabies-tag program and state matching dollars will continue to support low-cost spay/neuter work. No board action was taken; staff said they will return with a construction plan and budget amendment if or when they have firm project details.