(COLDWATER) - Branch County officials want Hillsdale County to begin paying a larger share of animal control costs as the counties renegotiate their long-standing shelter agreement.
Branch County commissioners recently discussed restructuring the partnership that allows Hillsdale County animals to be housed at the Branch County Animal Shelter. The issue was first reported by The Coldwater Daily Reporter.
The current agreement began in 2016 and helped fund construction of the Branch County shelter. But county leaders say the financial arrangement no longer reflects the true cost of operating the facility.
Branch County has spent about $1 million on animal control operations over the past decade, plus $500,000 to $550,000 to build the shelter. Hillsdale County contributed $90,000 initially, but has not made payments during the past six years under the agreement.
Branch officials say Hillsdale animals accounted for about 38% of shelter intake last year.
Based on the shelter's $130,300 annual budget, Branch County leaders estimate Hillsdale's share should be roughly $50,000 to $52,000 per year under a usage-based formula.
Commissioners say the goal is not to end the partnership but to restructure it so both counties share costs more fairly.
Officials from both counties also disagree on when the current contract expires. Branch County says it ends Dec. 31, while Hillsdale County believes it expired Feb. 11.
Hillsdale County Commissioner Brad Benzing acknowledged concerns about fairness in the current agreement. Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott Hodshire has also raised concerns about staffing shortages and the burden of transporting animals to the Branch County shelter.
Branch County commissioners directed staff to continue negotiations and return with a proposed agreement in April.