The Lake County Board of Supervisors (BOS) was expected to approve a contract with the City of Clearlake for animal control services on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The item was included on the BOS”s consent calendar and was expected to be non-controversial.
The Clearlake City Council approved the contract on Thursday, Nov. 13. The agreement reflects a minor decrease in costs in comparison to last year”s contract.
The city had no choice but to enter into an agreement with the county for animal control services. In accordance with state law, animal control services must be provided and the city does not have the capability to provide those services in-house at this time.
However, the city is currently evaluating the possibility of assuming animal control services in the future. In order to do so, the city will first have to build an adequate holding facility. Staff is exploring the possibility of constructing such a facility when the Public Works yard is relocated.
Staff and operation costs are also matters that must be addressed before the city is capable of providing the service.
The city reportedly paid $207,320 for animal control services for Fiscal Year 2007-08. This year the rate has dropped to $200,724. However, a 110-percent increase in fees was seen between 2003 and 2007 with costs rising from $76,480 to $160,300.
The agreement that was expected for adoption on Tuesday requires the city to pay $16,727 per month for services pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreement. Payments are to be made within 15 days after the first day of each month.
There are a number of obligations associated with the agreement besides paying the annual fee for services. The city is obligated to provide office space for animal control officers to prepare reports, make telephone calls and perform other similar tasks. The city must also provide a temporary holding facility where the animals can be kept until they are transported to the county”s holding facility in Lakeport.
The city is also responsible for providing a hearing officer and/or any other appropriate city employee as law requires for presiding over matters related to animal abatement and other protests.
In accordance with the agreement set for adoption, the county must provide the same level of service, including the patrolling of city limits, to the city as it does any other part of the county; rabies control and quarantining of all domestic animals; enforcement of all state humane laws and city ordinances pertaining to animals; pick up all stray dogs, cats and domestic livestock; shelter facilities, feed and disposal for all stay and unwanted animals in the Lake County Animal Control shelter; and any normal and customary services provided by the department to Lake County residents.
County services do not include the collection of dead animals from city streets.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
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