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Buena Park approves new animal control contract, requests budget amendment amid lost license guarantee
Summary
Council approved a one‑year animal control contract with the Southeast Area Animal Control Agency and a $171,200 budget amendment after the agency said it would no longer guarantee license revenue; staff will return by October with options and usage data and the city confirmed RFPs last ran in 2008.
The Buena Park City Council voted unanimously to approve a one‑year contract with the Southeast Area Animal Control Agency (SIECA) and to amend the city’s budget to cover an unexpected shortfall.
Jessica Feuer, the city’s senior management analyst, told the council SIECA will no longer provide a guaranteed license‑fee return to the city and that the contract cost is approximately $869,890 for fiscal year 2025–26. Because of the change, staff requested a budget amendment of $171,200 to fully cover the city’s outlay.
The change removes a prior revenue guarantee structure in which SIECA remitted license fees to offset city costs. Feuer said the contractor cited its revised fee structure and labor negotiations as factors in withdrawing the guarantee. The city manager’s office also committed to provide the council with data on the number and types of animal service calls so members can calculate per‑incident costs.
Council members pressed staff on alternatives and procurement history. Councilmember Franco noted the city last went to RFP for this service in 2008 and asked whether in‑house service or other regional providers had been studied. Feuer said the city had not run an RFP since SIECA began service and that staff will return by October with survey work and options for alternative providers.
Vice Mayor Trout summarized the council’s concern about price: “We have about a third increase against the actual services we’re getting from them.” She and other members requested that staff outline near‑term options, including the timing to opt out; staff said the contract includes a 90‑day opt‑out provision but that paying up front increases short‑term cost exposure.
The council moved and the motion passed unanimously. Staff said it will bring back incident counts, service levels, and procurement options at a future meeting.
