Richland County Animal Shelter Director briefed the Board of Commissioners that the shelter expects a budget shortfall in 2026 despite plans for a $2 per-license fee increase and ongoing nonprofit fundraising support.

The director said volunteer groups provide critical financial support: one group donated roughly $1,000 recently and another covers significant medical expenses; the shelter reported having spent about $28,000 on medical bills so far this year. The shelter noted that a county-funded rascal spay-and-neuter program will increase from $24,000 to $36,000 per year in the coming budget cycle, a change staff said they do not control. Utilities are also expected to rise after installation of new air-conditioning units, though staff said the new equipment may be more efficient and could partially offset operating costs.

Staff project 2026 license revenue and estimate $250,000 for licensing under the proposed fee increase but said that, despite end-of-year license pushes and anticipated donations, the shelter was roughly $4,000 short of the current-year estimate already and expected a deficit without additional contributions or cost reductions. Shelter staff discussed targeted line-item reductions, changes to advertising strategy (moving away from iHeartRadio toward social media and local outlets), and efforts to reduce cleaning and supply costs by switching to a more effective disinfectant that also lowers per-use expense.

The director described heavy operational demands: typical capacity pressures when housing 100+ animals, monthly veterinary bills, and reliance on volunteer staffing and fundraising to cover medical care. Commissioners thanked the director for the work and noted the importance of nonprofit partners and cost controls.

The board later approved a motion to hire a part-time kennel attendant at $14.14 per hour, effective Nov. 6, to restore staffing after a deployment-related vacancy.