Consideration of amendment to agreement: Authorizing an increase in funding to the Coconino Humane Association.

The Coconino Humane Association has provided animal sheltering and care services for the City of Flagstaff for over 60 years.  The Humane Association entered an agreement with the City in 2010 for a one year contract at a value of $165,000. The contract allowed for four (4) additional one year term renewals making it valid through June 30, 2015.   When the City began to face financial difficulty the City requested partner agencies take cuts as well.  The Humane Association accepted these reductions graciously in the spirit of community service to assist the City of Flagstaff.  The contract was reduced through the years as follows:
FY 2011 = $165,000.00
FY 2012 = $161,985.00
FY 2013 = $161,985.00
FY 2014 = $161,985.00
 
Total reduction over the course of these years was $9,045.00
 
The Humane Association reports that they cut back as far as possible, while continuing to provide the services as outlined in the scope of work as well as additional services outside the scope of work.  Due to rising costs of business, additional financial liabilities for compliance with changing laws, drops in total revenue, restricted grant opportunities, and very limited sources of other available revenue, the Coconino Humane Association has had to contribute substantial funds from donations and shelter service fees to what it costs to fulfill the contract with the City.  Additionally, they withdrew $118,000 from savings earmarked for capital improvements, and cashed in a certificate of deposit several months ago just to cover payroll.  They have requested a substantial increase of $78,000.00 for an annual contracted amount of $240,000.00 for the 2014-2015 animal sheltering contract, which is the last extension year.

The Coconino Humane Association has requested an increase of $78,000.00 (added to $161,985.00) for an annual contracted amount of $240,000.00 for the 2014-2015 animal sheltering contract. City Council was supportive of funding an additional amount of $50,000, during the budget retreat for FY 2015, which if approved would fund the final year of the contract at  $211,985.00.

Effective Governance (Public Safety)
An animal control program is necessary to ensure public health and safety to people as well as safe and humane care for the unwanted and stray (sometimes vicious) animals in our community.

The Council has approved previous agreements with the Coconino Humane Association and discussed additional funding in the amount of $50,000 during the fiscal year 2015 budget retreat.

1) The council may approve $50,000 in additional funds for the contract with the Coconino Humane Association. 
2) The Council may choose to deny or limit any additional funding to the Coconino Humane Association.

The City of Flagstaff is currently contracted with the Coconino County Humane Association to provide Animal Shelter Services.  The contract was originally signed on July 29, 2010 for one year at a contract value of $165,000. The contract was reduced to $161,985.00 in fiscal year 2012 and subsequent years in response to the recession.   The contract allowed for four (4) additional one year terms, and if all renewals are exercised, the contract will be valid through June 30, 2015.  The FY2014 appropriation for this contract was $161,985.   Throughout the duration of the contract the Humane Association continued to provide those services required within the scope of work as well as additional services outside the scope of work.  In fiscal year 2015, the Humane Association re-approached the City requesting increased funding for the final year of the agreement.  The attached memorandum from Michelle Ryan outlines the cost increases they have had to absorb, as well as the costs of services provided outside the scope of work listed in the original contract with the City. 

During the April 2015 budget retreat the City Council was supportive of additional funding to the Humane Association in the total amount of $50,000. City Council supported providing $12,000 in one time money not tied to any additional services.   An additional amount of $38,000 in one time money was recommended to help assist with those services the Humane Association provided over and above the original scope of work in the contract with the City.  According to the Humane Association these additional services include: emergency animal ambulance and medical services, cruelty investigations, public education, low costs spay and neuter, and low cost euthanasia.  The Humane Association estimates providing these services to the residents of the City have cost them approximately $168,572.32, during the course of the current agreement with the City.  The Humane Association estimates to continue providing these services during the final year of the contract will cost them an additional $45,150.00.  Additionally the Council supported providing $12,000 in one time money not tied to additional services.  

An animal shelter is necessary for the humane treatment of stray and injured animals within the City of Flagstaff.  There has been an ongoing concern about the possibility of transferring impounded animals to “no-kill” shelters. The Humane Association has an agreement with Second Chance Center for Animals and Paw Placement of Northern Arizona that allows for the transfer of impounded animals to a “no-kill” shelter or a home.  In addition the Humane Association participates in numerous adoption programs including Petsmart, Petfinder.com, Pet-a-Palooza and other rescue organizations.

The Flagstaff Community utilizes many services of the Humane Association, several of which are beyond the scope of work the Police Department requires for their operations.   The Police Department is responsible for the enforcement of ordinances and statutes pertaining to animals.  Services of the Humane Association are used regularly by the Police Department to house or quarantine impounded animals.  The City of Flagstaff benefits by having an available facility that will accept, house and adopt stray dogs and cats as well as offering low-cost services (spay/neuter, euthanasia, adoption, and vaccinations).  The Coconino Humane Association also provides free public education.

The Coconino Humane Association and its supporters presented to council previously at the April 8^th, 2014 City Council Work Session, requesting additional funding.  The Humane Association request was again discussed in public during the three day budget retreat in late April.