Humane society asks for 8% boost; council approves 2% increase to city contract

A representative of the local humane society urged the Boone City Council to increase the city’s animal-welfare contract to help cover rising staffing, insurance and veterinary costs, saying the organization handled 688 animals last year, 355 of which were on behalf of the city of Boone, and that its total expenses were $392,000 (about $570 per animal).

The presenter said national and regional benchmarks place per-animal costs between roughly $1,100 and $1,400, and that the shelter’s current per-animal spending is far below those averages. “We’re not asking the city to fully fund the cost per animal,” the representative said, adding the organization was requesting an 8% increase to maintain staffing and care standards amid rising costs.

Council members pressed the presenter on other funding sources and the makeup of the intake numbers. The humane society said it receives limited county support (reported at $1,200 per month) and that donations are substantial but unpredictable and insufficient to cover contract-level obligations. The presenter clarified that the 688 figure represented animals handled under the city contract (including strays and owner surrenders covered by the contract).

One councilor recommended aligning any contract increase with the city’s 2% property-tax growth cap. The council moved and approved a 2% increase to the contract instead of the requested 8%, by roll call vote. The council did not adopt the requested 8% increase and directed staff to revisit the item in the next budget season if necessary.

The council thanked the humane society for the information and noted follow-up questions would be addressed in budget discussions.