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San Luis council approves two‑year contract with Humane Society of Yuma amid cost concerns
Summary
The council approved a two‑year contract with the Humane Society of Yuma after directors outlined rising intake and veterinary costs. The contract provides $83,500 for fiscal year 2026 and $98,375 for the following year; councilors asked staff to confirm services and timing for community clinics.
The San Luis City Council voted to approve a two‑year contract with the Humane Society of Yuma, authorizing $83,500 for fiscal year 2026 and $98,375 for the following fiscal year and approving the budget transfer described in the fiscal impact statement.
Staff introduced the item and gave the Humane Society’s executive director an opportunity to explain the request. Annette Lagunas, executive director of the Humane Society of Yuma, told council the shelter has seen nearly 700 animals from the community over the prior year and has rising costs for staffing and veterinary services. “Every animal that enters our facility is vaccinated, spayed and neutered prior to adoption, and microchipped,” Lagunas said, citing higher wage and veterinary expenses as the reason the agency sought an increase.
Council members pressed for details on term length and services. Lagunas said the organization had moved to a two‑year contract cycle to align with municipalities’ budget schedules and that it provides vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchips and outreach vaccination clinics in San Luis. She also said county‑wide sterilization efforts have reduced intake compared with past years and emphasized that the shelter does not perform animal control; officers transport animals to the shelter for care.
After questions about whether the increased payments included new services, council moved and approved the contract and the related budget transfer by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will finalize the contract paperwork and coordinate the timing of community services with the Humane Society and municipal partners.
