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Council renews contract with Yakima Humane Society to operate Ellensburg shelter through 2028
Summary
The city authorized the manager to sign a contract with the Yakima Humane Society to continue animal-shelter operations through 2028, with stepped increases in annual operating payments to cover rising intake and care costs and a commitment to recruit local board representation.
The Ellensburg City Council on Feb. 2 authorized the city manager to sign an updated contract with the Yakima Humane Society to operate the Ellensburg shelter through 2028 and approved associated budget adjustments.
City Finance and Animal Services staff presented the contract extension and described an 18% increase in intakes from 2024 to 2025 — roughly 175 additional animals — and the resulting operational cost increases for food, medical care and spay/neuter surgeries. Under the contract presented, the city’s annual payment would increase from $120,000 in 2025 to $150,000 in 2026, then incrementally to $157,500 in 2027 and $165,375 in 2028. Staff characterized the agreement as maintaining the same core scope with a few added features and noted a financial plan intended to sustain operations.
Cameron Clayson, briefing the council, said the humane society would rebrand the local facility as the Ellensburg Humane Society to reduce confusion about management and would seek to recruit at least two Kittitas County residents to sit on the organization’s board. Members of the public, including Pat Gallagher, voiced support for continued contracted operations and noted the community benefit of consistent shelter care.
The council moved to authorize the city manager to sign the contract and approve budget adjustments; the motion passed on a voice vote.
Next steps: city staff will finalize the contract documents, complete necessary budget transfers and work with the humane society on local board recruitment and public communications about the rebrand.
