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Council approves $60,000 pilot to restart municipal animal services with Stray Hearts
Summary
Town Council approved a three-month pilot agreement to fund Stray Hearts' municipal animal-services pilot, capped at $60,000, to restore limited animal-control services after an earlier contract gap.
Taos Town Council approved a $60,000 pilot for Stray Hearts (also referenced as Stray Hearts Bridal Shelter in staff materials) to provide municipal animal services, including intake and limited field response, through June 30.
Staff explained the award is a short-term pilot because an earlier RFP produced no viable responses and the town needs interim municipal animal-control coverage. The pilot agreement phases funding over three months with tiered caps in each month. Staff said $50 per day is available for certain additional emergency services on a case-by-case basis with prior town approval.
Chief of Police Archuleta and parks/procurement staff described the town's efforts to vet the new Stray Hearts administration and noted improved organizational capacity compared with the prior nonprofit administration. Councilors said the pilot is intended to fill an immediate need while the town completes a longer-term contract process and monitoring. The motion carried by unanimous roll call.
Why it matters: Animal-control services affect public health, nuisance complaints and sheltering for lost or stray animals; the pilot aims to reestablish municipal coverage after a lapse in responsive services.
Ending: Staff said the pilot will be evaluated and a formal annual contract or RFP-based arrangement will be returned to council for approval.
