Council approves three-year agreement with Siskiyou Humane Society with stepped funding to $30,000 in year three

The Mount Shasta City Council approved a three-year contract on June 23 with the Siskiyou Humane Society for “care, custody and disposition” of animals the city delivers to the shelter. The agreement sets city payments at $15,000 for the current fiscal year, $20,000 for fiscal 2026 and $30,000 for fiscal 2027.

Todd, a city staff member, reviewed prior stopgap arrangements and said staff surveyed neighboring jurisdictions and shelter options. He said Mount Shasta’s agreement was found to be cost-competitive once transportation and overtime costs for city personnel were considered.

Council discussion focused on the agreement’s stepped increases. A council member asked why the escalator steps were necessary; staff and others — including Melissa, a staff member involved in negotiations — explained that shelter operations include required vaccinations, microchipping and pre-release care that impose per-animal costs. Shelter representatives cited their operating model and fundraising efforts, and staff noted the cost of operating a local shelter would likely exceed the contract figure if the city ran an in-house facility.

A public speaker said the shelter’s daily cost of care per animal is about $40. Council members discussed the tiered approach as a transition toward full operational cost coverage under current rates.

A motion to approve the agreement passed with ayes and no opposition.

Ending: The contract establishes a city-funded shelter arrangement for three years; staff said the city would continue to monitor costs and service delivery.