Canine Care & Control requests $438,376 increase, cites two vans, higher medical supplies and start-up costs at new facility

Canine Care & Control presented a 2026 operating request that would raise the department's general-fund transfer by approximately $438,375.76, a 26.5% increase over the prior year. The director said the request stems from salary and benefit changes (including a deputy director position and a 27th pay period in 2026), higher overtime due to on-call contracts with multiple municipal police partners (which are reimbursed), and a significant increase in medical-supply spending tied to shelter operations.

The department said it needs two vehicle replacements (estimated total cost around $150,000) to replace a 2013 and a 2014 cargo van with high mileage and mechanical issues. Vehicle refurbishment costs include cage installations and fleet graphics. The presentation listed projected increases across salary lines, equipment, uniforms and supplies and said moving into the new facility eliminated some one-time capital purchases but created ongoing operational differences tied to building size and disease-control practices.

The director said medical supplies were set at $50,000 above last-year spending to align with observed usage and that certain acquisitions (radios, some equipment) were charged to the new building project rather than the operating budget. The department estimated it could reduce some costs over time through better disease-control capacity, purchasing agreements for medical supplies and increased licensing and adoption revenue; commissioners asked for a revised budget showing updated reductions and additional revenue plans.

Commissioners praised the move to the new building and the reduction in dog population in custody and asked staff to work with administration on revised projections; no final appropriation decisions were made at the hearing.