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Committee approves increase to cat license fees, effective Jan. 1, 2027
Summary
After discussion about the long‑unchanged $2.50/$4 fees, the finance committee voted to raise cat licensing fees and set the increase to take effect for the 2027 license year, with staff to coordinate final implementation and legal compliance.
The Finance Committee voted to raise cat licensing fees after staff noted the current rates ($2.50 for spayed/neutered cats; $4 for intact cats) had not been adjusted in 13 years and did not cover staff time.
Comptroller/Treasurer Corey said he had not recommended a specific new rate but suggested “at least doubling the fee,” noting comparables in nearby municipalities. Committee members debated a range of increases — from doubling to proposals that would match current dog‑license levels; one member proposed $14 and $24 as comparables used in nearby jurisdictions. The city attorney reminded the committee that statute requires fees be reasonably tied to the actual cost of the service and advised that automatic indexing solely to inflation would be difficult to justify without cost evidence.
The committee moved and seconded a recommendation to increase the feline license fees and set an effective date tied to the 2027 license year (licenses expire Dec. 31; new rates effective Jan. 1, 2027, for the 2027 license). The motion carried on a voice vote; staff will implement the change consistent with statutory requirements and the committee’s direction to align timing with dog‑license review.
