PAWS asks Dearborn County for 20% funding increase as commissioners warn of tax-revenue shortfall

PAWS, the county humane shelter, asked the Dearborn County Board of Commissioners for a 20% increase in monthly county funding — from $13.07 to $16.05 per month starting in 2026 — to cover rising costs tied to mandated spay/neuter requirements and higher medical and supply expenses.

The request drew a detailed presentation from PAWS board members about operations, fundraising and how state law changes have increased the shelter’s medical workload. "We respectfully request a 20% increase in monthly funding from $13.07 50 to $16.05 per month starting in 2026 so that we can continue to make Dearborn County a model of compassionate and responsible animal care," PAWS board secretary Patrice Ligon told commissioners.

PAWS said it has reduced payroll costs, increased volunteer hours and cut medical expenses through partnerships, but medical supplies and veterinary care continue to rise. PAWS reported raising more than $110,000 from four major fundraising events in 2024 and said it operates an endowment whose income helps close budget gaps.

Commissioners thanked PAWS for the presentation and the volunteer effort but said the county could not promise the requested increase at the meeting. A commissioner told PAWS the county's financial outlook for 2026 had changed substantially after legislative changes to property tax rules (Senate Bill 1) and an outside analysis was still underway: "We have no control over that, so unfortunately that's where we are. I don't think we can give you an answer today." Commissioners said a best-case internal estimate at that point would be a 3% increase but stressed they would need to see final county revenue projections before deciding.

PAWS said it would await the commissioners’ decision while continuing outreach and fundraising. Commissioners and PAWS agreed to follow up as county revenue projections are finalized.

Why it matters: PAWS provides county animal-control sheltering, spay/neuter compliance required by a 2021 state law, and a reduction in county support or failure to cover rising costs could affect how the shelter operates and which services it can provide.

Details: PAWS said total 2024 expenses were roughly $748,138.77 and that veterinary/medical costs are the fastest-growing line item. The group also reported 1,155 animals entering the shelter in the referenced year and described savings from using an in‑network spay/neuter provider and from endowment income.

Next steps: Commissioners said they would review county revenue projections (including anticipated impacts from Senate Bill 1) and report back; no formal funding vote was taken at the meeting.