Council advances Mason County Humane Society contract to June 2 action agenda

City manager Mark Ziegler presented a proposed three-year agreement with the Mason County Humane Society to operate animal-control and shelter services for Shelton, including 24/7 response, impound and licensing administration and shelter operations. He said the shelter needs upgrades to meet veterinary standards and that the partnership aims to provide more robust care, foster systems and economies of scale for veterinary services.

Ziegler described the contract financials and transition timeline: city budgeted roughly $240,000 for animal control and shelter services in 2026 (expenses were about $260,000 in 2025); the proposed contract at conception was just over $202,000 for operational services, with an initial set of facility alterations estimated at $4,804. Under the draft, the Humane Society would retain 10% of city pet-license fees for administrative costs and remit the remainder to the city monthly.

Council members asked clarifying questions about service levels, legal holds for investigations and reimbursement for extraordinary third-party costs. Staff said the humane society would provide certified animal-control officers, manage licensing, and operate the existing Pine Street shelter while the city would remain responsible for capital repairs and specified legal-hold reimbursements.

The council moved to place Resolution 1435-0426 (agreement with Mason County Humane Society) on the June 2 action agenda for further consideration; the placement passed and the city expects to pursue a targeted August 1 turnover if the contract is approved at the action meeting.