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Home My WebLink About2025-07-15; City Council; 12; Updated San Diego Humane Society User Fees for Animal Control and RegulationCA Review MK Meeting Date: July 15, 2025 To: Mayor and City Council From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager Staff Contact: Ryan Opeka, Police Captain ryan.opeka@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2149 Reid Shipley, Assistant Chief of Police reid.shipley@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2257 Subject: Updated San Diego Humane Society User Fees for Animal Control and Regulation Districts: All Recommended Action 1)Hold a public hearing; and 2)Adopt a resolution adopting the San Diego Humane Society’s updated user fees for the recovery of costs related to animal control and regulation services. Executive Summary The city has contracted with the San Diego Humane Society to provide animal control services since 2018. In 2023, the City Council amended Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 7.08, which more clearly provided animal control authority to the San Diego Humane Society and adopted the San Diego Humane Society’s user fee schedule for the recovery of costs related to animal control and regulation services. Staff are asking the City Council to hold a public hearing and consider adopting the Humane Society’s updated user fees schedule for fiscal year 2025-26. Under Chapter 7.08 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, user fees for all animal services must be adopted by City Council resolution and shall not exceed the reasonable cost of providing those services. (Municipal Code Section 7.08.15(C)(3)) Explanation & Analysis The San Diego Humane Society charges animal owners with user fees to help offset the rising costs of providing services, including: •Animal adoptions •Boarding •Dangerous dogs/public nuisance registration and inspection fees •Dog licenses •Guard dog permits July 15, 2025 Item #12 Page 1 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: E0F92EBA-BE26-4F4F-BA6F-E215086C9395 •Impounds •Kennel licenses •Medical services such as vaccinations •Miscellaneous fees such as microchipping •Owner requested euthanasia •Protection dog premise inspection •Quaratines •Relinquishment The user fees proposed to be increased for fiscal year 2025-26 are those for: •Adoptions •Boarding •Dog licenses •Medical services •Microchipping •Owner-requested euthanasia The proposed user fees are fee maximums, meaning that fees are frequently reduced or waived by the San Diego Humane Society, as deemed necessary. Attachment A to Exhibit 1 is a comparison of the currently approved fee list and the proposed increase of user fees for fiscal year 2025-26. The San Diego Humane Society’s projected costs and corresponding fees for fiscal year 2025–26 are presented in a countywide analysis (Exhibit 2) and a Carlsbad-specific analysis (Exhibit 3). Both analyses indicate that the proposed user fees remain well below the projected service costs, in accordance with the requirement in Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 7.08 that the fees must not exceed the reasonable cost of providing the services. Exhibit 2 shows that the San Diego Humane Society’s licensing and law enforcement revenue recovery is 37%, while its revenue recovery for other services such as animal care, admissions, veterinary care and adoptions is 10%. Exhibit 3 shows that animal service user fees cover 15.5% – $146,916 – of costs incurred in the City of Carlsbad. The city’s contract with the San Diego Humane Society for animal control and enforcement services, as well as donated funds, will cover the remaining costs. Revising the previously adopted user fee schedule allows the San Diego Humane Society to update its user fees for the 2025-26 fiscal year to account for the increased cost of providing animal control and regulation services. Fiscal Analysis The proposed resolution to adopt the San Diego Humane Society’s updated user fee schedule would increase certain fees charged to animal service users, not to the city. Attachment A to Exhibit 1 outlines the current and proposed fee amounts. As the city’s contracted animal control authority, the San Diego Humane Society may increase its cost recovery in future years through these Council-approved fee adjustments. Depending on annual cost recovery levels, the city's contract value with the San Diego Humane Society may also be revised in future fiscal years. July 15, 2025 Item #12 Page 2 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: E0F92EBA-BE26-4F4F-BA6F-E215086C9395 Next Steps The fee resolution, if adopted, will become effective immediately. Environmental Evaluation The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(a) and does not require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2) because the action is limited to the adoption of an updated user fee schedule for animal control and regulation services. The action has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Exhibits 1.City Council resolution 2.San Diego Humane Society county-wide projected fees versus costs for fiscal year 2025-26 3.San Diego Humane Society Carlsbad-specific projected fees versus costs for fiscal year 2025-26 July 15, 2025 Item #12 Page 3 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: E0F92EBA-BE26-4F4F-BA6F-E215086C9395 Exhibit 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-168 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY’S UPDATED USER FEES FOR THE RECOVERY OF COSTS RELATED TO ANIMAL CONTROL AND REGULATION SERVICES WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has the authority to establish fees; and WHEREAS, the San Diego Humane Society has proposed an increase in user fees for fiscal year 2025-26; and WHEREAS, Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 7.08.15(C)(3) requires the City Council to adopt a resolution to establish rates for all offered animal services that do not exceed the reasonable costs of providing those services; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the recommended user fees are reasonable through countywide and Carlsbad specific cost analyses provided by the San Diego Humane Society; and WHEREAS, the San Diego Human Society may waive or reduce fees as deemed necessary; and WHEREAS, the City Council now desires to establish the user fees set forth in Attachment A to this resolution; and WHEREAS, the City Council has held the necessary public hearing and allowed public comment on the establishment of said fees. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: 1.That the above recitations are true and correct. 2.The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(a) and does not require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2) because the action is limited to the adoption of an updated user fee schedule for animal control and regulation services. The action has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. 3.That the changes as shown in Attachment A are adopted. July 15, 2025 Item #12 Page 4 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: E0F92EBA-BE26-4F4F-BA6F-E215086C9395 4. That the proposed fees shown in Attachment A will be effective immediately on the date of this resolution. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 15th day of July, 2025, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. ______________________________________ KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor ______________________________________ SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk (SEAL) July 15, 2025 Item #12 Page 5 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: E0F92EBA-BE26-4F4F-BA6F-E215086C9395 Attachment A Fee type Fee title Current fee FY 2025-26 increase Adoptions Cat $100.00 $125.00 Adoptions Dog $150.00 $175.00 Adoptions Kitten $150.00 $200.00 Adoptions Puppy $250.00 $300.00 Adoptions Rabbits, Guineas’, chins, large birds, reptiles*$30.00 $40.00 Adoptions Sheep / Horse / Livestock $250.00 $275.00 Adoptions Small birds, mice, rats, hamsters $15.00 $25.00 Boarding Dog, Cat, small animal $25.00 $30.00 Boarding Equine, Bovine, large (plus 1/2 for 1st day)$80.00 $100.00 Boarding Sheep, Goats. Medium animal (per day)$30.00 $40.00 Dog licenses Unaltered, one year license $50.00 $60.00 Dog licenses Unaltered, three year license $140.00 $150.00 Dog licenses Unaltered, two year license $90.00 $100.00 Medical services Vaccinations (per injection)$20.00 $35.00 Miscellaneous Microchip $25.00 $30.00 Owner-requested euthanasia Cost by Weight, up to $60.00 $80.00 *Red-eared slider turtles are $5. Dangerous dog/public Annual Renewal $30.00 Dangerous dog/public nuisance Initial Registration $100.00 Dangerous dog/public nuisance Inspection $50.00 Dangerous dog/public nuisance Reg. Late Fee $50.00 Dangerous dog/public nuisance Renewal Late Fee $50.00 Dog licenses Adopted Dogs: 1 time exempt $0.00 Dog licenses Altered, one year license $20.00 Dog licenses Altered, three year license $50.00 Dog licenses Altered, two year license $35.00 Proposed Humane Society fee increases for fiscal year 2025-26 Fees that will remain unchanged July 15, 2025 Item #12 Page 6 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: E0F92EBA-BE26-4F4F-BA6F-E215086C9395 Dog licenses Change of ownership $15.00 Dog licenses Late fee $25.00 Dog licenses Tag replacement $15.00 Dog licenses Transfer fee $15.00 Guard dogs Operator Permit $100.00 Guard dogs Premise Permit $50.00 Impounds Dog at large 2nd time $55.00 Impounds Dog at large 3rd time $100.00 Impounds Dog, Cat, small animals $40.00 Impounds Equine, Bovine, large animals $65.00 Impounds Fowl $40.00 Impounds Sheep, Goats. Medium animals $40.00 Impounds Unaltered Fee** Dog & Cat $150.00 Kennels Deficiency Follow-up $50.00 Kennels Late Fee $50.00 Kennels Late Fee > 6 mos.$100.00 Kennels License Application $150.00 Miscellaneous Spay/Neuter Deposit $60.00 Miscellaneous Trailer (per trip)$98.00 Protection Dogs Premise Inspection $30.00 Quarantines Fee Per Visit $50.00 Relinquishment Dog, Cat, small animals at shelter $50.00 Relinquishment Dog, Cat, small animals in field $50.00 Relinquishment Livestock $100.00 **The unaltered fee includes state unaltered fees. Fees that will remain unchanged July 15, 2025 Item #12 Page 7 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: E0F92EBA-BE26-4F4F-BA6F-E215086C9395 Fees vs Cost Study - Projection for FY 2026 Organization Wide FEES (with Increases)PROJECTED RELATED COSTS Projected Budget Fees FY 2026 Animal Care 13,987,185 Adoption Revenue 2,512,858 Admissions 2,682,219 Reclaim Fees 242,198 Veterinary 8,594,418 Relinquishment Fees 109,073 Adoptions 2,344,121 2,864,129 27,607,943 Fee Revenue / Expenses 10% Licensing 654,092 Humane Law Enforcement 6,640,254 Licensing Revenue 2,698,000 7,294,346 Fee Revenue / Expenses 37% Exhibit 2 July 15, 2025 Item #12 Page 8 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: E0F92EBA-BE26-4F4F-BA6F-E215086C9395 Exhibit 3 July 15, 2025 Page 9 of 9Item #12 Docusign Envelope ID: E0F92EBA-BE26-4F4F-BA6F-E215086C9395 TO: CITY CLERK DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING: AFFIDAVIT OF MAILING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: ~Q CAA:ty ~lA,v\tl ¾ll1ti.,ty lW\\VY\ti,\ \££V\lt L~ twl ~ ht LOCATION : ~00 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008 . D Other: ------------------ • DATE POSTED TO CITY WEBSITE 1 I B \ ~ 5 DATE NOTICES MAILED TO PROPERTY OWNERS: ---------- NUMBER_ MAILED: I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that I am employed by t he City of Carlsbad and the foregoing is true and correct. DEP RTMENT: ~TY CLERK'S OFFICE □OTHER _______ _ Date SENT TO FOR PUBLICATION VIA E-MAIL TO: □ Union Tribune on ___ _ W coast News on Cl-1A -Jb PUBLICATION DATE: Union Tribune -------------- Coast News 1-':\ ./~, t 1-ll vJh I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that I am employed by the City of Carlsbad and the foregoing is true and correct. DEPARTMENT: ~TY CLERK'S OFFICE □ OTHER _______ _ Attachments: 1) Mailing Labels 2) Notice w/ attachments ' Date NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Carlsbad City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, California, to discuss the adoption of a Resolution setting user fees for the recovery of city costs related to animal control and regulation services. Interested parties are invited to attend this meeting and present their views and comments to the City Council. Copies of the proposed resolution and proposed fees are available for public inspection at the City Clerk's Office, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, 92008. The staff report will be available on the city's website at https://www.carlsbadca.gov/city-hall/meetings-agendas on and after Friday, July 10, 2025. This meeting can be viewed online at https://www.carlsbadca.gov/city- hall/meetings-agendas or on the city's cable channel. Written and telephone inquiries may be directed to Ryan Opeka, Police Department, 2560 Orion Way, Carlsbad, CA 92010, ryan.opeka@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2149 or Reid Shipley, Police Department, 2560 Orion Way, Carlsbad, Ca 92010, reid.shipley@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2257. PUBLISH DATES: July 4 and July 11, 2025. CITY OF CARLSBAD CITY COUNCIL San Diego Humane Society User Fee Update Ryan Opeka, Police Captain July 15, 2025 2 TODAY’S PRESENTATION •Overview •Services provided by San Diego Humane Society •Fee Resolution •Proposed Action ITEM 12: SDHS USER FEE UPDATE 3 OVERVIEW •Contracted with San Diego Humane Society since 2018 •Amended CMC 7.08 in 2023 which provided animal control authority to San Diego Humane Society and adopted their user fee schedule •CMC 7.08.15(C)(3) requires City Council to establish rates for all offered animal services that do not exceed the reasonable cost of providing those services ITEM 12: SDHS USER FEE UPDATE ANIMAL CARE LICENSINGSe r v i c e s ADOPTIONS/SHELTER HUMANE LAW ENFORCEMENT 5 FEE RESOLUTION •Proposed fee increases include adoptions, dog licenses, medical services, microchipping, and owner requested euthanasia •Proposed fees are fee maximums, fees are frequently reduced or waived •Proposed user fees remain well below the projected service costs in accordance with CMC 7.08 •Increased user fees do not impose additional costs on the city and does not increase the value of the city’s current animal services contract ITEM 12: SDHS USER FEE UPDATE 6 PROPOSED ACTION Adopt a resolution accepting the San Diego Humane Society’s updated user fees for the recovery of city costs related to animal control and regulation services ITEM 12: SDHS USER FEE UPDATE 7 ITEM 12: SDHS USER FEE UPDATE QUESTIONS?