Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Shelter topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Adams County proposes 20% municipal cost-share for regional animal-shelter services
Summary
Staff presented a revised animal-shelter cost-recovery model proposing municipalities collectively cover 20% of the shelter's recoverable costs using a three-year intake average and credits for reclaimed animals; one small jurisdiction has already approved the draft IGA.
County staff returned to the board with a revised intergovernmental fee model for animal-shelter services, proposing a cost-sharing approach aimed at recovering a larger portion of shelter operating costs from municipal partners.
Under the model presented, the shelter's annual operating budget is adjusted for revenues and then 20% of the net budgeted cost is allocated to municipal partners on the basis of each jurisdiction—'s three-year average animal-control intake share (a smoothing approach staff said partners preferred). Staff also proposed credits to partners for reclaimed animals and restitution to avoid double charging and noted certain services (for example, deceased-animal disposal) would be charged separately.
Why it matters: The county currently covers a larger share of costs for unincorporated Adams County intake (about 32% of intake originates from unincorporated areas), and staff said the revised model would increase municipal partner recovery from roughly 8% under the previous model to a 20% target, reducing the county's net general-fund subsidy for the shelter.
Board reaction and next steps: Staff reported constructive meetings with eight municipal partners (Thornton, Commerce City, Brighton, Federal Heights, Northglenn, Bennett, Lochbuie and Hudson) and said one smaller jurisdiction (Bennett) has already approved its draft IGA. Commissioners emphasized clear public communication about services covered by county taxes versus partner fees and asked staff to prepare materials for any municipal or planning meetings. Staff said they will continue outreach and will adjust the formula if jurisdictions change participation.
