Richland leans toward hybrid approach for Tri‑Cities animal control after council discussion

John Amundsen, the city manager, presented an overview of the regional Tri‑Cities animal control authority (operated with Pasco as lead). He outlined three models under consideration: (1) a minimal animal control facility that provides only statutory stray‑hold and animal‑control responses while contracting sheltering to nonprofits; (2) a full sheltering model with longer stays and rehoming efforts; and (3) a hybrid in which Pasco would continue minimum holds and a contracted nonprofit would handle post‑hold sheltering and rehoming. Amundsen stressed the interlocal agreement between Kennewick, Pasco and Richland expires at the end of 2027 and said the regional cost allocation shifted from an equal split to a base + usage model; he said Richland's share was about 17% under the current formula.

Council members across the room expressed concerns about responsiveness, service levels in Richland, long lengths of stay for animals and the fiscal impact of long stays. Several members — while praising volunteers — said the current Tri‑Cities model has rising costs but inconsistent service, and they urged staff to return with a rough order‑of‑magnitude cost comparison for the three options, data on response times and an analysis of liability and operational policy (including spay/neuter and length‑of‑stay rules). Amundsen said Pasco and Kennewick had similar discussions and that Richland's council appeared to lean toward exploring a hybrid model with more detailed follow‑up.