The Board of Supervisors today approved a series of cost increases to contracts with five cities that rely on the Riverside County Department of Animal Services for animal control enforcement and shelter space.
In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board cleared the changes sought by the department in its agreements with the cities of Indio, Cathedral City, Perris, Rancho Mirage and San Jacinto.
“The county has a comprehensive Animal Services Department that not only helps safeguard domestic animals but also provides resources to the community to assist pets, pet owners, as well as public safety regarding domestic animals,” the agency said in documents posted to the board’s agenda.
Officials wrote that a rate study was initiated to determine whether the county was netting “full cost recovery” for its animal control services, and the conclusion was that a “more balanced approach” was required to enable the contracting municipalities to “continue to receive uninterrupted service” while the Department of Animal Services was adequately compensated for use of its personnel and facilities in the current fiscal year.