To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Michelle Bushnell
Agenda Section: Initiated by Board Member
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Consideration of Funding to Expand Access to Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Services in Humboldt County
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Consider allocating approximately $10,000 annually, or any other amount as deemed appropriate by your Board, to a qualified nonprofit organization providing low-cost spay and neuter services to increase access to such services for Humboldt County residents; and
2. Direct staff to develop a funding agreement that prioritizes increasing the number of available spay and neuter procedures, includes reasonable performance and expenditure reporting requirements, and, where feasible, seeks matching funds or other leveraged resources; and
3. Direct staff to work with the selected provider to evaluate opportunities to establish dedicated appointment capacity for county-supported procedures, including designated clinic days or a guaranteed number of appointments; and
4. Direct staff to return to the Board as necessary with an agreement and any associated budget adjustments required to implement the program.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1001 -Support and sustain partnerships between public safety and partner agencies to enhance public safety in our communities
DISCUSSION:
Access to affordable spay and neuter services is an important component of reducing unwanted animal populations, supporting responsible pet ownership and reducing pressure on animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Barriers to accessing spay and neuter services are costly and limited. Opportunities for a relatively modest county investment to expand the number of procedures available to the public could help to remove barriers to individuals s...
Click here for full text