Multiple residents and animal‑welfare advocates urged the Oshkosh Common Council on Nov. 4 to restore funding for the Oshkosh Area Humane Society’s animal‑services contract as the city finalizes its 2026 budget.

Eva Engel, executive director of the Oshkosh Area Humane Society, told the council OAHS is an independent 501(c)(3) and that it served more than 3,200 animals last year, including 701 strays from the City of Oshkosh. She said 112 of those strays were delivered by the Oshkosh Police Department and that OAHS currently receives $150 from the city for each animal, while its average per‑stray basic care cost is $250 — a $100 gap per animal OAHS must cover from donors.

Other speakers at the public hearing described OAHS services that support public safety and police operations: after‑hours intake and a police night‑drop area, staff on call for police impounds and evidence holds, long‑term housing when animals are held as evidence, vaccination clinics, a pet food pantry and programs that help keep pets and families together. Speakers emphasized that the OAHS contract covers only a portion of the shelter’s costs and that the organization raises donations and grants to cover the remainder.

Council debate and amendment attempt

During the budget workshop portion of the meeting Councilmember Flom moved to restore the OAHS contract payment to the 2025 level and proposed funding the difference from unused allocated Menominee Park train funds. The motion underwent amendments and a roll‑call vote; the motion (as amended) did not receive approval and failed in recorded votes during the workshop.

City staff reported they began contract negotiations with OAHS in September and that staff and OAHS exchanged proposals, including a counterproposal received the week of the meeting. Chief Smith and the city manager described the contract review as an effort to “right‑size” city payments relative to peer communities and to clarify which animals are covered (for example, strays within city limits and police impounds). Staff said the goal is to move toward a per‑animal reimbursement model similar to peer cities.

Ending

Council declined the restoration amendment on Nov. 4; staff said negotiations with the Humane Society will continue and that if a final contract amount exceeds the adopted budget, the administration will return to the council with a request for additional appropriation. Residents were urged to contact the city and to participate in upcoming council deliberations leading to the Nov. 11 adoption vote.