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Board discusses creating a dog fund and recent state fee increases
Summary
Selectboard members discussed explaining a proposed town dog fund (to pay vet care for stray animals) and noted the state increased dog fees; members suggested a modest town fee and public explanation for the fund's purpose.
Board members discussed updates to dog licensing fees and a proposal to create a dog fund to cover veterinary care for animals taken in by the town pound.
A member suggested the town put a short explanation in the selectboard report outlining why the dog fund would exist and what it would cover, for example vet care and rabies shots for animals without owners. "Would it be nice to explain why we're creating a dog fund and what purpose?" a Committee member asked. Members discussed fee levels and proposed modest increases, noting the state has raised dog fees and that the town may need to adjust its fee to cover costs. One member proposed a discretionary fund to cover costs for owners who cannot pay immediately.
The board asked staff to include dog fee changes and an explanation in the selectboard report and to consider how the program would operate so residents understand the purpose of any fee changes before voting or adopting policy.
