Yolo County JPA members weigh operational joint-powers model, fundraising and shelter upgrades; clinic grant approved

At a meeting of the Yolo County Joint Powers Authority (JPA), board members, county staff and members of the public discussed three operational models for providing animal services, the lack of an existing JPA budget and steps for fundraising and outreach to build or upgrade shelter capacity.

The discussion focused on three options presented by a community consultant: keep the county-run model; form an operational JPA that either directly hires staff or contracts with a nonprofit for all services; or use a hybrid in which a nonprofit runs sheltering while the county retains animal-control functions. Lisa, a consultant and community member who presented the options, said the models allow participating cities and the county to “decide what services you have in your community and how they're delivered.”

Why it matters: Board members and multiple public speakers said the county's shelter needs more capacity and a stronger operational plan to reduce costs, manage seasonal surges in animal intake and reduce animal suffering. Without a funding mechanism, however, the JPA as currently constituted has no appropriated funds to enter contracts or hire staff, and any transition would require coordination with the Board of Supervisors, city councils and the county administrator's office.

Board and staff comments Board members repeatedly urged taking the JPA options back to each agency for consideration. Supervisor Barajas said the next step is to present the options to…