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Council approves nearly $965,000 agreement with Longmont Humane Society for 2025 services
Summary
Council adopted resolution 2025-07 approving a city agreement with the Longmont Humane Society for animal welfare services. Chief Zach Artis said the city’s cost has risen from about $150,000 historically to about $965,000 in 2025, driven by Humane Society operational changes and the loss of other municipal contracts in the region.
The Longmont City Council unanimously approved a resolution (2025-07) authorizing a 2025 agreement between the City of Longmont and the Longmont Humane Society for animal welfare services.
Public Safety Chief Zach Artis told council the cost the city pays to the humane society has risen significantly over the past several years because of changes to the society’s billing practices and the loss of contracts from other jurisdictions that previously used the Longmont facility. Artis said Longmont’s payments were about $150,000–$175,000 several years ago, rose to roughly $700,000 last year, and are approximately $965,000 for 2025. He said the services provided to the city remain consistent — sheltering animals brought in by city animal control and by residents — and that staff has tried to limit boarding by improving microchip scanning and other return‑to‑owner processes.
Council member Yarbrough had asked for clarity about the county’s role; Artis explained that Boulder County and several smaller municipalities moved contracts to other providers this budget cycle, increasing Longmont Humane Society’s fiscal pressure. Council voted to approve the resolution.
Why it matters: The higher contract cost affects the city’s public‑safety and operating budgets and follows a regional shift in how municipalities contract for animal sheltering services.
What’s next: The city will execute the agreement and continue to track intake and cost drivers; staff told council they have explored other sheltering options but cited capacity limits at alternate providers.
