Animal shelter leaders ask county to increase share of operating costs as intake remains split city/county

The Fredericksburg animal shelter manager told the joint budget workshop that the shelter’s intake and operating costs increasingly reflect county needs and asked commissioners to increase the county’s contribution.

Shelter staff reported that intake over recent years has averaged about a 50/50 split between city and county animals. In 2024 the shelter took in 1,096 animals (an average of 91 per month). Year‑to‑date 2025 intake counts through June were roughly even as well: 250 city animals and 254 county animals in the first six months, the manager said.

Budget and operations: Shelter staff presented an operating estimate of roughly $211,000 for regular wages and expenses (uniforms, radios, vehicles, crates, mandatory training and veterinary costs for vaccinations, spay/neuter and emergency care). Fees collected were reported at about $14,480 in 2024 and $11,470 year‑to‑date in 2025; fees are remitted to the general fund.

Current county support and request: The county currently contributes $15,000 annually toward the shelter. Shelter staff asked the county to consider stepping up its contribution and discussed a 50/50 cost‑sharing approach given the roughly equal intake split.

Discussion vs. decision: Officials asked staff to provide more detailed personnel and benefit cost breakdowns and to return to the budget workshop; no change was made at the meeting. City and county officials said they will discuss the request further at a scheduled budget workshop.

Ending: City and county finance staff agreed to review the shelter’s detailed cost figures, accounting for fees collected, before any final county share determination is made.