Agenda - 02-12-2013 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 These ordinance changes are presented in relation to the County's ongoing effort to make dog and cat sterilization available on a "no -pay" or $20 co -pay basis to residents receiving public assistance or who qualify on the basis of household income. The changes are also presented in relation to the ongoing effort to communicate with residents about the benefits that sterilization provides to their animal, their household, and their community. Animal Services and the ASAB are seeking immediate action by the BOCC because ordinance amendments require a public hearing and the recommended amendments have an impact on the department's FY2013 -2014 budget. With approval from the BOCC, staff would bring forward the proposed amendments as soon as possible in order to have a decision made prior to the adoption of the County's fee schedule and budget in the month of June. Ultimately, the goal is to have the recommended amendments become effective on July 1, 2013, along with the County's new fee and fine schedule. Finally, the recommended amendments have been carefully considered in order to minimize impacts on the workload of Animal Services staff. The details of these considerations are provided in the attached report. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Discussion of this item by the BOCC has no negative financial impact. The net effect of the amendments is expected to be approximately $10,000 of additional revenue on an annual basis. Specifically, there would be an annual increase of approximately $6,000 in animal recovery fees (with no offsetting expenditures); and an annual increase of approximately $7,000 in fees from micro -chips (minus approximately $2,800 for their purchase). More generally, the ASAB recommendations are expected to help control animal care and control costs by increasing the number of animals that need to be recovered and by increasing the number of spayed and neutered cats and dogs in the community. They are expected to do so by creating real incentives (and disincentives) for residents as they consider whether to sterilize their dogs and cats as a part of being a responsible pet owner. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the ASAB's report on stray animal recovery, and provide feedback to the ASAB and direction to Animal Services staff.