The Springfield City Council voted 10-0 May 20 to authorize up to $384,095 to Sangamon County for animal-control services covering March 1, 2024, through Feb. 28, 2025.

Aldermen pressed city staff and asked the county to appear before the council to answer questions about service levels, whether the county contract should be bid competitively, and staffing. Alderman Williams said residents in his ward report inconsistent service and asked why county representatives were not present to answer questions; he urged the council to require the county to appear before future votes.

City staff said Sangamon County continues to perform services while negotiations on a new contract continue and that the county is not currently under a formal contract for the current months. The council was told the prior contract expired Feb. 28, 2025, and county staff requested payment for the prior service year.

Alderman Williams asked whether the county's animal-control operation is competitive and suggested requests for proposals (RFPs) to make service providers compete for the work. He and others asked for clearer data on service levels, vehicle and staffing counts and response times; the council was told the county currently has five animal-control officers and operates the county shelter, though details on distribution of units and response coverage were discussed as in need of clarification.

Alderman Gregory said he would like the county to be required to appear at council meetings to answer performance questions before the next agreement is finalized. Mayor Buscher said she would request county attendance during negotiations and that staff is working to reduce costs and secure better service in the new contract.

The motion to place the intergovernmental cooperation agreement on final passage passed 10-0. Several aldermen said they would support the payment for prior service but push for competitive bidding, clearer reporting and county presence before future approvals.

Ending: The council approved payment for the past year of animal-control services but directed staff to insist on county participation, more data and competitive procurement steps for any new multi-year agreement.