Resolution NUMBER: 6741-2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL AMENDING THE FY 2025–26
ADOPTED BUDGET TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATIONS FOR INTERIM ANIMAL CONTROL AND SHELTERING
SERVICES AND TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE NOTICE OF TERMINATION TO NORTH BAY
ANIMAL SERVICES (NBAS) FOR THE EXISTING MONTH TO MONTH AGREEMENT EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
OR AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE TO MINIMIZE SERVICE GAP
WHEREAS, the City of Sebastopol historically has provided animal control and sheltering services through contracted service providers; and
WHEREAS, the City currently maintains a month-to-month agreement with North Bay Animal Services (NBAS) for animal control and sheltering services; and
WHEREAS, due to documented concerns regarding service quality, compliance with legal mandates, and the loss of sheltering facilities by NBAS, City staff has recommended termination of the existing month-to-month agreement and the pursuit of interim service alternatives; and WHEREAS, to ensure continuity of services, protect public safety, and comply with state law requirements related to animal control, licensing, and impoundment, City staff has recommended entering into a three-month interim contract with the Humane Society of Sonoma County (HSSC) for animal sheltering services covering the period of April 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026; and WHEREAS, the proposed interim sheltering services with HSSC are estimated to cost approximately $9,680.25 for the three-month period, or $3,226.75 per month, based on historical service levels and population; and
WHEREAS, additional short-term animal control field services may be required during this interim period, and the City Manager has requested authority to expend up to $3,000 per month for such emergency or short-term services, should they become available; and
WHEREAS, the FY 2025–26 adopted budget does not include sufficient appropriations to cover these unanticipated interim animal control and sheltering costs; and WHEREAS, the proposed budget amendment is necessary to ensure continuity of essential services while long-term animal control and sheltering solutions are developed and incorporated into the FY 2026–27 budget;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Sebastopol hereby approves the FY 2025–26 Adopted Budget to appropriate funds for interim animal control and sheltering services in the Police Department budget in an amount not to exceed $8,000.
Category Description Amount
Adopted Budget FY 2025–26 Budget 25,000.00
Existing Commitment NBAS (July–March @ $1,575/month) (14,175.00) Subtotal Budget Residual after NBAS 10,825.00
Sheltering Costs HSSC – April (3,226.75)
HSSC – May (3,226.75)
Docusign Envelope ID: 102FD43D-696A-49DF-98B8-5482A9FA7BD6 HSSC – June (3,226.75)
Additional Services April–June Short-Term Field Services (9,000.00) Net Impact FY 2025–26 Balance (7,855.00)
The above and foregoing Resolution was duly passed, approved, and adopted at a meeting by the City Council on the 17th day of March 2026
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City of Sebastopol City Council by the following vote:
VOTE:
Ayes: Councilmembers Carter, Hinton, Zollman, Vice Mayor Maurer and Mayor McLewis Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
APPROVED:
Jill McLewis, Mayor
ATTEST:
Mary Gourley, Interim City Manager/ /City Clerk, MMC
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Alex Mog, City Attorney
Docusign Envelope ID: 102FD43D-696A-49DF-98B8-5482A9FA7BD6