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Finance committee approves amendment to 2025 pet licensing fees; vote 4-1
Summary
The finance committee approved changes to the city's 2025 pet licensing fees to align with Marathon County's increased charges and to offset city administrative and enforcement costs; the motion passed 4-1 with Alder McElhaney recorded as the lone no vote.
The City of Wausau Finance Committee voted Tuesday to amend the 2025 pet licensing fee schedule to reflect Marathon County’s recent fee increases and to help cover rising city costs for enforcement and software.
Committee members said Marathon County increased its fees for the upcoming licensing season and the city must collect and remit the county portion. The committee also approved modest increases the city will retain to offset its administrative and enforcement expenses.
Under the changes discussed at the meeting, staff described the county increase as $10 for non-neutered or unspayed dogs and $7 for spayed/neutered dogs. The city proposed adding $6 to spayed/neutered license fees and reducing the microchip discount from $8 to $5. Staff said the current fee for a spayed/neutered dog is $20 and that the proposed fee would increase to $30; the fee for an unspayed/unneutered dog or cat would increase from $62 to $75.
Staff explained the increases are intended to cover higher costs, including software fees, higher employee benefit rates and the city’s share of humane-society contracts. Mary Anne (staff member) provided details: the 2025 budget includes funding for three community-service officers who handle animal enforcement (up to 20 hours per week) budgeted at roughly $68,500 to $70,000; the city also budgets for up to 250 non-dog strays contracted at $185 apiece with the Humane Society. For animals held "for cause," staff said initial intake costs are about $175 on day one and roughly $16 per day thereafter, plus veterinary bills.
Alder Tierney moved to approve the fee changes and Alder Watson seconded. The committee voted 4 to 1; Alder McElhaney cast the lone recorded no vote. Committee discussion included questions about how much of the license revenue offsets enforcement costs; staff said revenues and forfeitures do not fully cover animal-control costs and that animal control remains expensive. The committee chair said staff will provide more information on budget impacts as the budget process continues.
The committee approved the fee amendments on a recorded voice vote and the chair declared the motion carried. Staff noted the changes are intended to be in place before licensing begins in November.
