Longview-led animal-sheltering RFP discussed; county staff to participate in possible ILA

Sheriff Bridal Thurmond and prosecutor representative Jason Loreen reported on recent meetings with Longview, Kelso and the Humane Society of Southwest Washington about future animal-sheltering services.

Thurmond said Longview intends to pursue an interlocal agreement (ILA) with neighboring jurisdictions and lead a request for proposals (RFP) for animal-sheltering services. "Longview is interested in going out for a request for proposal for animal sheltering," Thurmond said, and asked whether county staff could participate in drafting specifications and negotiating a joint contract.

Staff said the intent would be a single contract that participating cities and the county would sign, with an equitable allocation of costs and shared contract terms. Thurmond and prosecutor staff noted past contracts had used uneven billing or task allocations; one city official described detailed audits in Woodland that reduced claimed pickups outside city limits and in some cases shifted costs to the county.

Commissioners expressed general support for a joint approach. One commissioner said bringing jurisdictions together would allow more leverage in negotiating equitable terms and consistent performance specifications; another noted some smaller cities historically have declined to participate.

Staff were directed to continue negotiations with Longview and participating cities and to work with Longview's legal counsel on an ILA and RFP specifications. The Humane Society had been part of initial discussions and the sheriff said the society indicated it would consider submitting a proposal in response to a future RFP. No formal vote was recorded in the transcript.