Atascadero approves animal-control agreement with county; staff cites 12.62% cost share
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Summary
Council approved a 2026'20230 animal-control services agreement with the county after staff reported Atascadero's projected share is approximately 12.62% under the three-year rolling-average calculation; staff said licensing and program choices affect length of stay and costs.
The Atascadero City Council unanimously approved an agreement Tuesday with the county for animal-control services covering 2026'20230.
City staff and the police chief briefed council on the contract terms and projected costs, noting the proposed city share in the coming budget cycle would be about 12.62% based on a three-year rolling average of service demand and shelter costs. Council members asked what drives costs and whether the city can reduce its share by changing service levels; staff said calls for service and shelter length-of-stay are primary cost drivers and that increasing pet licensing can shorten stays by enabling quick owner reunification.
Council members also asked about historical concerns that high stays and euthanasia in past years imposed disproportionate costs; staff responded that the county management has improved transparency and that performance metrics such as length of stay and euthanasia rates can be reported to the city on request. The motion to approve the agreement passed 5-0.
Council asked staff to continue monitoring performance metrics, encourage licensing to reduce shelter stays and to request routine reporting from the county on length-of-stay and disposition data so the council can assess cost drivers and humane outcomes.
