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Humane Society asks Hamilton County for $1.25 million as shelter revenue and fundraising cut request from prior year
Summary
The Humane Society told the Hamilton County Commission it is seeking $1.25 million for FY27—$150,000 less than this year—citing $300,000 in new shelter revenue, targeted capital needs such as $60,000 in HVAC repairs, a replacement vehicle and a planned executive director hire.
The Humane Society told the Hamilton County Commission it is asking the county for $1.25 million for fiscal year 2027, down from the $1.4 million the organization received this year.
The request, presented at the commission's budget hearing, reflected three priorities the society’s representative said the county asked presenters to address: investments and taxpayer benefits, what the organization is holding the line on, and what it is transitioning away from. The representative said the shelter increased earned revenue by about $300,000 through an expanded spay/neuter program and higher adoption fees and has added a development director that has improved fundraising.
"Humane Society is asking the county for $1.25 million for fiscal 27, which is down from the $1.4 million that we received this year," the Humane Society representative said. The presentation listed specific needs the organization said the county-funded portion would cover, including about $60,000 in air-conditioning repairs, a replacement vehicle, and funds to hire an executive director.
Commissioners pressed on particulars. Commissioner Graham asked why $60,000 was needed for HVAC on a building described as only five to six years old; the representative said the original one-year warranty had expired and the shelter's units are specialized "hospital-type" fresh-air systems with few local technicians able to service them.
Commissioner Sharp and Commissioner Highlander praised the organization's efforts to reduce costs and raise revenues in a tight budget year. The Humane Society representative said the organization is also asking other municipal partners to contribute a consistent per-capita amount and acknowledged some municipalities are resistant to an immediate increase but are being offered transition years to reach parity.
The commission did not act on the request during the hearing; the budget requests will be considered as part of the county’s broader budget process.
