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Council extends animal-control contract while requesting county intake data after sharp fee increase
Summary
Facing a proposed jump from about $2,000 to roughly $10,000 in the county shelter contract, Burns Harbor council approved a short extension through the calendar year and asked staff to obtain intake and cost data from county officials before finalizing next-year funding.
The Burns Harbor Town Council voted to extend its animal-control and shelter-services agreement through the end of the calendar year while town staff obtains details explaining a proposed, substantial increase in the town’s share of the contract.
Council reported that the county’s new proposal would change the town’s payment from about $2,000 a year to a projected figure near $10,000 in 2027, because each municipality’s annual payment would be based on its proportionate share of total shelter intakes recorded in 2025. "Each municipality's annual payment is based on its proportionate share of total animal intakes recorded at the shelter in 2025," the clerk explained during the meeting.
Council members said they were uncomfortable approving a budget jump without seeing the intake data and how the county apportioned costs. The board approved a motion to extend the current contract for the remainder of the year while the clerk and council liaisons request the shelter intake records and the county cover-letter explanation for the increase.
The extension maintains current coverage for residents while giving the council time to analyze options, which could include negotiating terms with the shelter, pursuing alternatives, or budgeting the increased cost for 2027 if justified by the data. Staff will report back with the county-provided intake breakdown and a recommendation for the budget cycle.
