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JASCOM directs staff to prepare 2026 budget that reduces reliance on reserves
Summary
The Joint Animal Services Commission heard a public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget and agreed to send the presented numbers to jurisdictional staff while directing agency staff to prepare a final budget for a Dec. 8 vote; the proposal trims planned reserve use and raises assessments modestly to cover a projected 9% cost increase.
The Joint Animal Services Commission on Nov. 10 directed staff to prepare a final 2026 budget that reduces the agency’s reliance on reserves and to circulate the proposed assessments to member jurisdictions ahead of a scheduled Dec. 8 vote.
Executive Director Sarah Hawk framed the updated proposal as a response to commissioner concerns after October’s presentation. ‘‘It really did boil down to reserves,’’ Hawk said, explaining staff reduced planned use of the general reserve by $40,500 and adjusted line items so assessments would be closer to 2025 levels while recognizing population and per-capita changes.
Staff said the recommended operating increase for 2026 is about $336,975, or roughly 9 percent, driven by higher animal intake, inflationary pressure, and staffing steps. Staff reported total recommended revenue and matching expenses of $3,941,922 in the presentation.
A county representative told the commission the county faces ‘‘a budget deficit … over $9,000,000’’ and asked the body to consider a lower assessment scenario, saying the county ‘‘would prefer to pay the $20,000 less amount.’’ Commissioners did not adopt an alternative at the meeting but agreed to send the figures presented to jurisdictional staff for review before the December meeting.
Chair (unidentified in the transcript) summarized the direction: staff should prepare the final budget using the figures on screen, notify jurisdictional staff of the proposed assessment changes and bring the item back for a formal vote on Dec. 8. The commission did not take a final budget vote on Nov. 10.
What happens next: staff will circulate the proposed budget and assessment schedule to member jurisdictions for review; the commission is scheduled to take a final vote on the 2026 budget at its Dec. 8 meeting.
