Humane Society requests $53,900 for 2027; committee forwards request to budget hearings

Sue Otis, treasurer, and Bria Wright, executive director of the Oneida County Humane Society, presented the society’s 2027 budget and said intakes and costs have increased this year. Otis noted a previously approved increase last year and answered questions about reserve funds; Wright said higher intake numbers are driving increased expenses.

Committee member Scott Holewinski emphasized that the Humane Society provides a countywide service covering towns and the city and that county funding represents a cost savings compared with alternative arrangements. Karen Matchulat confirmed the contract amount of $53,900. The committee voted (Hess/Fisher) to forward the $53,900 request to the October Budget Hearings.