Let's Talk Budget: Public Health DCHS

Hola!

I have received emails requesting an increase in funding for the Dane County Humane Society (DCHS). These emails claim that there has been a decrease in funding for animal services over the past few years, which I know to be inaccurate. I want to remind everyone that the current and past budgets, dating back to 2012, are public records and can be accessed on the city's Finance website.

Attached is a memo that provides additional details. Click here for the full document.

SUMMARY:

• Animal Services falls under the Madison-Dane County Public Health budget as required by state statutes and city ordinances.
• Funding for DCHS is provided under a contract for services rendered, which is renegotiated periodically to ensure it meets current needs and costs.
• The contract is based on a flat rate fee per service.
• Additionally, pet license fees have also been increased to support the cost of animal services.

THE ASK:

DCHS is requesting to shift from a fee-per-service contract model to a per capita rate based on Dane County's population, which would effectively double the current budget.

THE DATA:

The following table illustrates the flat-fee contract agreement compared to actual costs over the past few years. The city only pays for actual services rendered, ensuring efficient use of resources. In most years, the actual costs were less than the budgeted amounts, leading to savings. When the budget exceeded the agreement, the contract was amended accordingly.

Animals Admitted to DCHS