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Lincoln County adopts new animal-shelter fee schedule; commissioners discuss service gaps in Eureka
Summary
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2025-11 on June 9, 2025, establishing a new fee schedule for the county animal shelter (licenses, impoundment, adoption, microchipping, daily boarding and surrender fees). Commissioners noted a public request for more animal-control coverage in the Eureka area.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-11 on June 9, 2025, establishing a fee schedule for services at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, including licensing, impoundment, adoption and microchipping fees.
The resolution, read into the record by the board, lists specific charges: a $25 lifetime license (must be spayed or neutered); duplicate tag fee $1; altered annual license $5 and unaltered $10; impoundment fees ranging from $20–$40 depending on licensing and alteration status, with repeat offenses doubling the fee; daily boarding at $20 per day; owner surrender at $20; adoption fees ranging from $40 for senior cats to $125 for puppies and small dogs; and microchipping fees of $20–$25. The text of the resolution cites MCA 7-6-413 and records that a public hearing and notice were held before adoption.
Commissioners discussed a public comment requesting more animal-control services in the Eureka area and whether residents should pay license fees if animal-control coverage is limited. One commissioner suggested consulting the sheriff’s office about increasing patrol or assigning additional days for service to the north side. The board agreed staff would review any existing contract with Eureka city for animal control and follow up.
A motion to adopt Resolution 2025-11 was moved and seconded and the board voted to approve the measure. The motion passed without a recorded formal roll-call tally in the transcript.
Why it matters: The new fees are intended to cover shelter operating costs and encourage responsible pet ownership; residents in more remote parts of the county raised service-access questions during the hearing.
Next steps: County staff were directed to check the status of any existing animal-control contract with Eureka and report back to the commissioners if service adjustments are needed.
