Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Proposed 2011-2012 Animal Services Budget

Animal Services proposed budget for 2011-12 can be found on pages 225-227 of this pdf:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/budget/11-12/downloads/fy12proposed_budget_vol1.pdf

The Animal Services program’s FY 2011-12 Budget
includes an $816,662 increase for the Animal
Services Implementation Plan. This comprehensive
plan includes 5.50 new full time equivalent (FTE)
positions and several programs to assist in
maintaining live animal outcomes at 90% in the
Austin/Travis County community. In November 2011,
the new Animal Services Center will open for
operation. The FY 2011-12 Budget includes $121,441
for moving expenses, increased temporary and
overtime expenses related to the move and 1.0 FTE
to assist with the operation of the new center.
Revenue in the Animal Services program is expected
to have a net decrease of $65,510 due to the
increased number of adoption fee waivers needed to
maintain the 90% live outcome goal.

Animal Services
City Council approved the Animal Services implementation plan in an effort to increase live animal outcomes. This plan includes a new half-time Rescue/Foster Coordinator position. In addition to personnel, the plan includes funding for spay/neuter for owned cats and at rabies clinics, PARVO prevention, a feral kitten program and the Davenport Adoption Center.

The implementation plan also includes $53,500 for utilities at Town Lake Animal
Center (TLAC).
0.50 FTE $304,347

The Animal Services Implementation Plan also included a moratorium on euthanasia. As a result, Animal Services has experienced increases in costs related to personnel, food, medical and dental supplies, and cleaning supplies. The FY 2011-12 budget includes $278,588 for 5.0 FTEs and $233,727 for these increased costs.
5.00 FTEs $512,315

In the fall of 2011, the new Animal Services Center will open for operation. The FY 2011-12 Budget includes one Animal Care Worker position for the operation of the new shelter. In addition to the increased personnel, one-time increases of $76,240 are included for moving expenses, marketing, increased temporary and overtime expenses related to the move and cat carriers to transport the cats from TLAC to the new shelter.
1.00 FTE $121,441

The Animal Services Program reimburses the Austin Police Department for the detective who investigates animal cruelty violations. To cover APD's increasing cost resulting from salary adjustments for this reimbursed position, $43,238 is being added to the budget. $43,238

Additional funding is included in the FY 2011-12 Budget for increased database
maintenance cost for the Chameleon database in Animal Services. $11,520