Gf takes closer look at animal control

Circle of Friends will continue to house animals impounded by the city of Grand Forks…for now.

The city council showed little interest in establishing a city-run pound at last night’s Committee of the Whole meeting. The council has not ruled out putting the contract for services out as at RFP.

City Administrator Todd Feland says a proposed contract for 2024 has been submitted to COF and is awaiting their signature. Feland says one change from past agreements is that the city would require notification of services on any animal that requires more than $250 dollars in care when impounded.  “Examples of significant cost to animals that come to the shelter…we are trying to put a placemaker on what our expectations are for medical care.”

The high cost of housing animals and the amount of services provided is just one of the many issues putting a strain on the internal budget at COF. Council member Brett Weber says the city should stay focused on the contract at hand.  “We don’t look into the books of other organizations we do business with…that’s an internal matter for them.”

The contract is expected to be discussed at a Circle of Friends board meeting later this week.

Quick facts:

Over 1,300 animals were brought to COF from GF in 2023…..

GFPD had 2,705 animal Calls For Service in 2023…..

GF Budget:  $198,625

Fargo:  $187,800

Bismarck:  $278,968

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