Finance staff reports upticks in animal-shelter revenue and coroner fees; staff highlights cost-saving changes

Deputy Finance Director Gail Housley told the Livingston Parish Finance Committee May 28 that several smaller funds have seen notable changes, including rising animal-shelter receipts, increased coroner fees and sports-wagering income.

Housley said the animal shelter (Fund 102) collected $8,043 in fees for calendar year 2025 and had already collected $6,394 in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting increased activity and fundraising efforts led by staff. She noted staff ideas to boost revenue, citing a staff member Tabitha’s work on the shelter website and community events such as proposed "puppy yoga" to attract donations.

Housley also said the shelter obtained a DEA license and hired a part-time in-house veterinarian to perform surgeries, which she said will reduce costs and transport time. "We also now have our own DEA license so that we can perform our own surgeries," she said.

On other small funds, Housley reported sports-wagering receipts of $35,584 for January–February 2026. She said coroner fees (Fund 105) had collected $28,340 year-to-date, up from $12,900 in the same period last year — an increase of $15,440 — which staff credited to more aggressive billing and collection.

Committee members asked staff to continue monthly reporting on shelter expenditures and revenue as budgeting for the next fiscal year proceeds. No policy votes were taken on shelter or coroner matters at the meeting.