Apple Valley council approves short extension while negotiations continue on county takeover of animal shelter

The Town of Apple Valley on Tuesday approved a temporary extension to its contract with San Bernardino County related to Apple Valley Animal Services, giving both sides more time to finish negotiations while preserving a 30‑day termination option.

The move came after more than an hour of public comment from residents and shelter employees who urged the council to keep the shelter under local control. The council voted unanimously to approve the extension, with all five members recorded as voting yes.

Town Manager Doug (Town Manager) told the council he had not been directed to finalize a sale and described the action as a pause to allow more work on terms. "I have not been directed to negotiate the sale of the shelter to the county," Doug said. He said the temporary contract extension under consideration would run through December and that he had inserted "a 30‑day notice of termination" so either side could end the extended arrangement quickly if a final decision changed.

Why it matters: Apple Valley Animal Services (AVS) provides shelter operations and animal care for town residents and receives animals from a wide area of the Victor Valley. Speakers at Tuesday’s meeting said staff morale, capacity and long‑term care for animals are at stake if the county assumes control.

Public testimony: Autumn Cotton, who identified herself as a resident and former shelter volunteer, said, "I don't agree with the idea of extending the contract or selling the shelter to the county." She and other speakers raised concerns about capacity at county facilities, caseholds for court or hoarding investigations, and the loss of educational programs for children that the town-run shelter has offered.

Brandy Garcia, who identified herself as a shelter employee of 14½ years, urged the council to "not grant the extension for the San Bernardino County contract" and…