Council delays SPCA agreement as members raise concerns about salaries and alternatives
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Summary
Several municipalities have approved the county SPCA agreement; New Freedom tabled approval and asked staff for more information after council members raised concerns about large salary increases and whether local rescues could handle stray animals instead of increased county funding.
Borough staff updated council on the county SPCA intermunicipal agreement. Staff said a number of municipalities have approved the agreement but New Freedom tabled action to request additional information. Staff also reported a county SPCA funding request of $200,000 to county commissioners for 2026.
Council members voiced concerns about SPCA finances and personnel costs. One council member said SPCA salaries increased substantially over a four‑year period (a figure referenced in discussion indicated a roughly $400,000 rise across several positions), and other members described the change in service practices (returning to accepting animals from citizens) and the strain on local rescue organizations. Several council members suggested compiling a list of alternative local rescues and phone numbers so residents have options if the borough declines the SPCA agreement.
Staff said some municipalities are placing the SPCA item on November or December agendas, and that local managers reported feeling “stuck” because options are limited; staff recommended inviting an SPCA representative to a meeting if council wanted additional explanation. Several council members questioned the SPCA request to county commissioners and asked staff to prepare information on alternatives and to continue to monitor the county discussions.
Next steps: staff will list local rescue resources for residents and will keep council informed of county funding requests and SPCA responses.