Akron committee approves emergency ordinance to authorize Summit County animal‑control agreement amid capacity concerns

The Akron Budget & Finance Committee voted to forward an ordinance authorizing the mayor or a designee to execute an intergovernmental agreement with Summit County for animal‑control services for Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2027, with two options to renew. The committee also voted to suspend the rules to advance the ordinance, passing the suspension 3–1 in roll call.

Councilwoman Tina Boyce and other members pressed staff on operational details after learning the county intends to limit Akron’s use to 60 kennels starting Nov. 1. "We go down to 60 kennels November 1st. Is that correct?" Boyce asked, noting that the timeline for securing outside overflow providers through an RFP looked "really aggressive." Staff said the RFP is open until June 15 and one rescue has begun an application but has not completed it.

Members sought clarity on costs and billing. Staff explained the county will bill Akron only for cages actually used and that the county charges approximately $60 per kennel per day for animals placed beyond available capacity. The proposed contract's year‑one payment level is about $1.4 million; staff described that figure as a cap for the city under the contract structure, but cautioned months with greater use could raise costs in theory. The contract also includes a clause that if an owner does not retrieve an animal within 72 hours the city is responsible for continued housing costs.

Councilmembers asked who will audit invoices and track animals transferred to the county. Staff said wardens and the city department responsible for neighborhood assistance will monitor invoices and maintain paperwork showing the number of animals transferred. Council members also sought a clearer invoicing schedule; staff said the contract uses a calendar year (year one begins Jan. 1, 2026) and that billing follows a pattern similar to the jail contract, with charges reported and invoiced six months in arrears (for example, Q1 activity billed July 1).

Several members urged additional oversight and a stronger plan for overflow capacity. Councilman Kamer said he could not support the contract as drafted and asked for an "educational component" tied to animal services and stronger oversight of RFP partners. Staff reiterated the RFP outreach had been sent to rescues registered with the Ohio Department of Agriculture in multiple counties and that different rescue models (foster‑based vs. kennel‑based) affect whether respondents can perform the work.

The motion to pass the ordinance with a favorable report and suspension of rules carried on roll call: Lombardo — Nay; Amobian — Aye; Boyce — Aye; Balden — Aye. The committee's action advances the agreement to the council with a favorable recommendation, but several councilmembers signaled continuing concern about oversight, RFP progress and the practical impact of the kennel reduction.

The ordinance's text as read at the meeting includes the effective dates (Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2027), two options to renew for two‑year terms, and an emergency declaration. Next steps: the ordinance will proceed to full council consistent with the suspension of rules passed by the committee.