Huron Humane Society urges small increase to city service contract after storm disruptions

Mary Egan, introduced as a member of the Huron Humane Society (HHS) board, presented the organization’s semiannual report to the Alpena City Council and asked the council to consider a modest increase in its annual service contract with the city.

Egan told the council that HHS cared for 359 animals in 2025 and placed 335 into permanent homes. She said rising veterinary supply and payroll costs, together with declining donations, have strained shelter operations.

“To continue providing essential public health and humane animal services, HHS respectfully requests an increase in its annual service contract from $22,500 to $25,000,” Egan said during the presentation.

Egan described operational challenges after a prolonged ice storm that disrupted utilities and access to the facility; the shelter evacuated many animals and relied on a board member’s heated garage and Schweitzer Veterinary Clinic to care for medically fragile animals. She said shelter records are digital and state-mandated, which complicated operations while systems were down.

Council members asked when the last contract increase occurred; Egan and others indicated it had been about three to four years. The council moved to “receive and file” the HHS semiannual report; the motion carried on a roll call vote.

The presentation did not include a formal request authorizing an immediate contract amendment in the meeting’s motions; council action recorded in the minutes was to receive and file the report. Any change to the city service contract would require a separate budget or contract amendment process.

Next steps: HHS’s request for a $2,500 annual increase was recorded in the report; council did not approve a contract change during this meeting.