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Council approves five‑year contract with Dubuque Regional Humane Society amid rising costs and talk of new models
Summary
Council approved a five‑year service agreement with the Dubuque Regional Humane Society (effective 07/01/2026–06/30/2031) with year‑one funding of $212,207 and a year‑two amount of $240,000; staff flagged rising costs and recommended exploring alternatives if future increases exceed CPI.
The City Council approved a five‑year contracted service agreement with the Dubuque Regional Humane Society on Aug. 3, authorizing $212,207 in year one and $240,000 in year two of the agreement and CPI‑based increases in subsequent years.
Public Health Director Mary Rose Corrigan explained the changes in the contract: the first year amount ($212,207) represents an 18% increase from fiscal year 2026 and year two would be $240,000, with years three through five tied to annual CPI and an ability for both parties to renegotiate. The contract also shifts some veterinary costs to the city because the humane society has limited veterinarian coverage and extends deadlines for required reports.
Council members praised the humane society’s work but said rising costs merit a broader community conversation about models for animal control, including partnerships with area veterinarians, holding facilities or a community cat (TNR) program. Council approved the contract 7‑0 and staff recommended ongoing evaluation of the city’s animal control model if future requests exceed CPI.
