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Council approves five‑year contract with Dubuque Regional Humane Society amid rising costs
Summary
The council approved a five‑year contract with the Dubuque Regional Humane Society that raises the city's contracted amount to $212,207 in year one and $240,000 in year two; staff warned that ongoing cost increases may require exploring alternative housing/impounding arrangements in later years.
The City Council approved a five‑year contracted services agreement with the Dubuque Regional Humane Society effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
Public Health Director Mary Rose Corrigan told the council the agreement establishes a FY27 city payment of $212,207 (an 18% increase over FY26), a FY28 payment of $240,000, and CPI‑based increases in years three through five with the ability for either party to request renegotiation. The agreement also requires the city to outsource or pay additional veterinary fees for animals because the humane society currently has limited veterinary coverage. Corrigan said FY26 vet costs to the city were $5,015 plus $3,500 for rabies observations.
Corrigan and councilors discussed options to address rising intake and costs, including a community cat (TNR) program, partnerships with local veterinary providers or kennels, and review of other municipal models. Corrigan recommended staff evaluate alternatives if the humane society requests increases greater than CPI during the final three years of the agreement. Council approved the contract 7–0.
Why it matters: Rising shelter and vet costs are increasing the city's animal‑control expense. Staff recommended a longer‑term conversation about the city’s animal‑control model and options to reduce intake, such as TNR and expanded community partnerships.
