Council OKs new animal control contract

The nonprofit group that informed the city two years ago that it wants to stop providing animal control services will do it for two more years.

The Spokane City Council approved a 26-month contract with SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. on Monday night.

Officials hope that the longer contract will give the city enough time to finalize a new partnership with the Spokane County Regional Protection Service, which is overseen by county commissioners.

Over the past year the city’s monthly bill to SpokAnimal has risen from $17,000 to $38,000 to $50,000.

Under the new contract, the city will pay $52,000 a month in 2008 and 3 percent more in 2009.

SpokAnimal has agreed to start paying its own fuel costs.

A proposed deal between the city and county calls for the county to take over the service for the city in 2010 and for Spokane to pay for an addition to the county’s animal shelter.

That agreement has yet to be sent to City Council.

Councilwoman Mary Verner, Spokane’s mayor-elect, voted against the contract, arguing that a shorter deal would have helped ensure speedy progress on a new animal control arrangement.

“I just need to know why it takes 26 months,” Verner said after the meeting.

Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin noted that the last time the council cut SpokAnimal’s contract length, the agency asked for more.

“Every time we cut a contract short we get hosed for a much higher cost,” McLaughlin said. “I’m not willing to take that risk.”