Council approves contract with local rescue to provide temporary animal-control sheltering

The council approved a contract on June 23 with a local rescue/operator to provide sheltering and animal-control services for domesticated animals in need in Virginia.

Background: The city had been working with providers in the region. After what staff described as prior performance issues and budget uncertainty with the prior arrangement, staff recommended contracting with a local operator (identified in meeting materials as Charlie's Rescue / the vendor) that has a 501(c)(3) and experience with rescue and adoption networks. Council discussion noted the contract would be prorated for the remainder of 2026 and a full contract cost around the ~$40,000 level would be considered for 2027 budgeting.

Why it matters: The city must meet statutory animal-control obligations and provide sheltering for stray or seized animals. Staff said their department cannot continue to absorb sheltering responsibilities and relying on ad hoc arrangements is unsustainable. The selected provider is based near town and offered transport and intake services; staff also discussed donating or transferring an old city K9/animal vehicle to support operations.

Quote: Chief Matson told the council the new arrangement "covers us liability-wise, statute-wise and we're going to have a relationship there that I hope lasts for several years." Detective Swenson said the operator proposed a startup schedule and pricing and the city would evaluate a full-year contract for 2027.

Outcome: Motion to approve the contract passed. The contract is prorated for the remainder of 2026 and staff will return with contract and budget details for 2027.