Lincoln County adopts new animal shelter fee schedule

The Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners on June 9 adopted Resolution 2025‑11 establishing a new fee schedule for the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, covering licensing, impoundment fees, daily boarding, owner surrenders and adoption and microchip charges.

The measure, read into the record by the chair, lists a $25 lifetime license (for altered animals), annual licenses of $5 (spayed/neutered) and $10 (unaltered), duplicate tag and other small fees, daily boarding at $20 per day, owner surrender at $20, and adoption fees ranging from $40 for senior cats to $125 for puppies under six months. Microchipping was set at $20 (standard) and $25 (mini). The resolution states the board acted under its authority granted by Montana statute to set reasonable fees related to service costs.

Commissioners briefly discussed public comments about limited animal control coverage in the Eureka area and whether additional service days or adjustments to enforcement should accompany the new fee schedule. One commissioner said staff would follow up with the sheriff about patrol frequency and the status of any old contracts with Eureka.

After discussion the board made a motion and approved Resolution 2025‑11. The chair called for voice votes and the board recorded the motion as adopted.

The resolution directs shelter staff to implement the fees immediately upon adoption and authorizes enforcement and collection as part of the shelter's services to the public. The board also instructed staff to review the Eureka service concerns and report back on options for improved coverage or contract updates.

The resolution text referenced the county's authority under Montana Code Annotated to set local service fees and noted that a public hearing and notice had been provided prior to adoption.