Shelter volunteers, residents ask Indianola to restore Kyakota funding as operating shortfall widens

Representatives of Kyakota animal shelter and dozens of supporters urged the Indianola City Council on March 3 to restore or maintain city funding for local animal-control services, saying the nonprofit cannot sustain rising operating costs without municipal support.

Nathan Rasco, identified as president of Kyakota's board, told the council Kyakota responded 24/7 to stray animals, assisted police and residents, held animals for quarantine and maintained an adoption program. He said the shelter handled 316 dogs and cats for Indianola in 2024; 149 were reclaimed by owners, six died of illness, one was euthanized at the city's direction and six were euthanized for illness. That left 167 animals Kyakota had to rehome.

“We spent $221,663 providing animal control services for the city of Indianola. We were paid $54,000, which left a $167,663 shortfall that we had to cover with adoption fees, boarding fees, donations,” Rasco said.

Board members and volunteers said the shelter has covered shortfalls for years through adoption fees and donations but that rising veterinary and staffing costs have made the gap unsustainable. Longtime volunteers described the shelter as a 50-year community institution that relies on local donations and volunteers.

“It started in somebody's home, moved to a barn, and then we're at our current location that is just put together with Band Aids,” co-chair Cammy Hanes said. “We are working ... to build a new shelter because we need it desperately.”

Several residents described personal adoption experiences and argued that municipal funding should stay local rather than sending contracted services to Des Moines or Polk County. “Enough goes to Polk County. Let's keep the dollars right here,” Hanes told councilors.

Council members and staff discussed options, including expecting better enforcement of owner restitution for animal-control costs. Police officials said citations and court restitution are available tools; Chief Sherry said that where owners are fined or ordered to pay, the court can require restitution to the shelter.

Council and staff also discussed partial funding alternatives, cross-jurisdictional cost-sharing with Warren County, and changes to shelter fees or surrender charges. Chief Sherry asked Kyakota to provide an itemized per-animal cost list so the department can pursue restitution through court processes when appropriate.

Ending

Councilmembers did not adopt a funding decision at the March 3 meeting. They asked staff and Kyakota to provide more detailed cost documentation and said they would consider options during the broader budget process.