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Joint Animal Services proposes 2026 budget that relies on reserves to limit jurisdiction assessments
Summary
Joint Animal Services staff presented a proposed 2026 budget that uses about $870,000 in reserves to hold down partner assessments, prompting discussion among appointed jurisdictional members about long‑term reserve use and alternatives ahead of November and December votes.
Joint Animal Services Executive Director Sarah Hawk presented a proposed 2026 budget on Thursday that staff say will rely on $870,000 from the agency’s reserves to offset operating costs and limit increases in jurisdictional assessments.
Hawk said the recommended budget totals $3,941,922 and includes a repeat recommendation to use $385,000 from reserves for general purposes ($135,000) and medical staff ($250,000), and additional reserve draw to reach the $870,000 figure. "We are using $870,000 of our reserves to help offset the true cost of service," Hawk said, adding that "this practice is not sustainable."
The proposal keeps assessments for the four Interlocal Agreement (ILA) partners — Thurston County, Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater — lower than they would be if reserves were not used. Hawk told the committee the recommended budget reflects cost‑of‑living adjustments, higher medical and supply costs tied to increased animal intake, and a new limited contract with Mason County for…
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