1998-0701_ORANGE, COUNTY OF_H1a_Agenda Report 1
AGENDA ITEM July 7, 1998
TO: George Scarborough, City Manager
FROM: Douglas D. Dumhart, Senior Management Analyst II
SUBJECT: Consideration of Agreement for Animal Control and Shelter Services With
the County of Orange for Fiscal Year 1998/99.
RECOMMENDATION:
By motion, approve the Agreement with the County of Orange for Animal Control Services
for Fiscal Year 1998/99 and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
SUMMARY:
The City of San Juan Capistrano has contracted annually with the County of Orange for
Animal Control Services since its incorporation. The majority of animal control services are
for domestic animals, not wildlife. The services include animal impounds, rescues and
sheltering, licensing, emergency response, field investigations, and quarantine actions.
No new or additional services are proposed in this agreement. The agreement provided
as attachment "1" to this report does not differ from the previous year's contract except for
an increase in cost. Cost increases are discussed further in the financial consideration
section of this report. Staff has reviewed the agreement and is recommending the City
Council approve the agreement for Fiscal Year 1998/99.
BACKGROUND:
The County of Orange currently provides animal control services to twenty cities as well
as the unincorporated areas of the County. Services provided in the contract include field
services such as patrol, impounds of stray animals, pickup of injured animals, cruelty and
bite investigations, impound of dead animals for disposal, citizen contact for information
and response to service requests from law enforcement and City officials. The contract
also includes special services such as pet and facility licensing, inspections and low cost
vaccination clinics. A final component of the contract is for shelter services. Shelter
services are provided at the County Shelter in Orange.
FOR CITY COUNCIL AGE" ' "L^
AGENDA ITEM - 2 - July 7, 1998
Staff believes the services provided by Orange County Animal Control Services during the
97/98 contract year have met the intent of the contract and have been provided in a
professional and humane manner. County Animal Control staff routinely provide city staff
with information on the types and number of service hours provided in San Juan
Capistrano. The contract with the County has proven to be a cost effective way for the City
to meet its animal control obligation.
COMMISSION/BOARD REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
The cost of animal control services is estimated by the County based on the previous
year's service activity plus anticipated growth. The estimated gross expenses are reduced
by the expected revenues from impound and licensing fees. Expenses have always
exceeded revenues; and thus, it is necessary to budget the additional cost.
This year's budgeted amount is $79,365. This is an increase from the previous year's
budgeted amount by about $22,000. The increase can be attributed to several factors.
The first factor is due to the effect of the bankruptcy which resulted in delaying various
maintenance items and no budgeted salary increases, a cost of living adjustment (COLA)
of four percent, and the purchase of ten new vehicles were included in the County budget
this year. Also, two significant one-time purchases are included in this year's budget. The
cost to buy into the new countywide 800 MHZ communication system. The second is the
purchase of an on-line dog licensing system. This work is currently handled by off-cite
contractor with antiquated technology which has a six week information lag time that would
be eliminated by the on-line system. The final factor is the City's growth in new residential
areas and its reciprocal increase in service level demands.
There are no funds for the design or relocation of the Animal Shelter included in this
budget. That issue is under continuing discussions with the County Executive Office and
City Manager's Animal Control Advisory Board.
NOTIFICATION:
County of Orange Health Care Agency Division of Animal Control
ALTERNATE ACTIONS:
1. By motion, approve the Agreement With the County of Orange for Animal Control
Services for FY 98/99 and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
AGENDA ITEM - 3 - July 7, 1998
2. Refer to Staff for more information.
RECOMMENDATION:
By motion, approve the Agreement With the County of Orange for Animal Control Services
for FY 98/99 and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
Respectfully submitted,
/diisia 4,G-ppt-Zen---../.
Douglas D. Dumhart
Senior Management Analyst II
Attachment: Agreement for Animal Control Services
C.\AGENDAS\1998\7-7SHELT.WPD