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Board approves short-term animal-services contracts with Petaluma and Windsor and discusses a countywide JPA
Summary
Supervisors approved short-term contracts to support field services with Petaluma and Windsor and discussed broader integration of animal services via a Joint Powers Agreement after grand jury findings highlighted fragmentation; staff and Humane Society leaders sought early involvement of nonprofits in planning.
The Sonoma County Board approved short-term agreements to support animal-field services with the city of Petaluma and the Town of Windsor and discussed steps toward a countywide Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to create a coordinated animal-welfare system.
County animal-services director Bridal Wuppelt told the Board the county'9s existing fragmented system does not serve the community fully and that recent grand jury findings in the North Bay prompted renewed focus and urgency. Humane Society representatives (Cynthia King, Carrie Stewart) urged the Board to include nonprofits in planning and to consider a JPA that brings multiple cities and jurisdictions into a coordinated service model. Supervisors noted the value of a countywide, integrated approach while acknowledging cost and governance questions remain.
Vote: The Board approved the contracts (item 11) after separate roll call due to recusals (Supervisor Gore recused on a different item but voted on item 11); staff said the action is a short-term measure to support city partners while broader JPA work continues.
