Spokane County accepts $126,900 bequest for SCRAPS after public comment on impound fees

The Spokane County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 12 unanimously accepted a $126,900 bequest to Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services (SCRAPS) and heard a public comment urging changes to SCRAPS’ impound and fee practices for animals taken when owners experience medical emergencies.

Public comment and the bequest acceptance came during the consent-agenda meeting. Laura Renz, who identified herself as affiliated with Northwest Service Dog Alliance, told commissioners she recently experienced being taken by ambulance and raised concerns about how SCRAPS handles animals taken into custody in similar emergencies. “If they had had to come get my dog that day, there would have automatically been a fee for that day and I didn't quite get what the fees were, but they were pretty high,” Renz said.

Renz described how SCRAPS impounds animals, may administer vaccinations when shots cannot be verified, charges fees that accumulate while an owner is hospitalized, and places animals up for adoption after five days if they are not reclaimed. She said her organization has developed a foster-network model for service dogs and offered to help SCRAPS expand such options for owners facing unexpected medical crises.

Diana Wilhite, who said she acted as personal representative for the late Carol Francis C., presented the bequest on behalf of Carol and described the donor’s affinity for cats. “I would like to give to the Spokane County, commissioners and for SCRAPS, the amount of $126,900,” Wilhite said. The board moved to accept the bequest and vote recorded unanimous approval.

Commissioners asked to take a photograph with Wilhite and instructed staff to coordinate delivery of the check; one commissioner asked that Jeff McMorris come down to retrieve the check. The acceptance was made by a formal motion to approve item 4e, described on the meeting agenda as acknowledging and accepting a bequest in the last will and testament of Carol Francis C. for SCRAPS in the amount of $126,900. The motion passed unanimously.

Discussion versus formal action: Renz’s remarks were part of the open public forum and did not prompt immediate policy action; acceptance of the bequest was a formal consent-agenda action taken by motion and vote. Commissioners said they would raise Renz’s concerns with the incoming SCRAPS director.

The transcript shows public comment identifying potential financial barriers for people who experience medical emergencies and rely on service animals, and a donor gift that the county accepted to benefit SCRAPS. The county did not adopt any changes to impound or fee policy at the Aug. 12 meeting; staff were only asked to discuss the concerns with the new SCRAPS director.

Clarifying details: Renz said SCRAPS impounds animals, may administer vaccinations if prior shots are uncertain, charges daily fees that accumulate while an owner is hospitalized, and places unclaimed animals up for adoption after five days. Wilhite presented the bequest as a donation in the amount of $126,900 from the last will and testament of Carol Francis C.

The acceptance of the bequest is expected to be processed through county finance and SCRAPS’ administrative channels; the meeting motion directed commissioners’ staff to complete formal acceptance and to arrange a photograph with the donor representative.