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Saginaw debates Saturday hours and online registration as architects outline a $18.6M new shelter plan
Summary
Council heard staff explain a temporary Saturday closure for public walk‑ins and a low‑cost online registration option, and received a Quorum Architects needs assessment that proposes a modern 15,500‑sq‑ft animal shelter with a 2027 projected all‑in cost near $18.6 million (construction, soft costs) plus land.
The Saginaw City Council spent a substantial portion of its Feb. 26 meeting on animal services, weighing a temporary operational change to shelter hours while hearing a complete needs assessment for a new facility.
Operational hours: City staff explained a June decision to close the shelter to the public for a three‑hour Saturday block — historically the shelter’s least busy public window — to reduce overtime and give staff predictable breaks. "The shelter operates with 8 employees: 5 full time employees and 3 part time employees," Jose Wheeland, shelter manager, told council, describing staffing challenges and the seasonal loss of summer student help.
Staff emphasized that the shelter remains staffed seven days a week for animal care and that appointments and special events would continue. Council members raised concerns about access for working residents who rely on Saturday hours and asked staff…
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