Faced with complaints from citizens frustrated by long waits for assistance from the animal control officer, Fort Dodge City Council members are talking about finding new ways to provide that service, even if it requires spending more money.

“I think we’re all aware that there’s been a lot of issues with that,” Councilman Jeff Halter said Monday evening during a budget workshop. “I just hope that we can all work together to work to provide better animal control service.”

He said the council will soon be receiving a petition signed by some 1,500 residents demanding a more effective approach to animal control.

The city government now has a contract with Webster County in which an animal control officer retained by the county handles complaints about dogs running loose, animal neglect and related issues.

Councilman Kim Alstott said the animal control officer sometimes takes two or three hours to respond to calls for service.

“That’s what people are complaining about,” he said.

The discussion unfolded as the elected officials reviewed the proposed budget for the Police Department. The money for animal control comes out of that budget.

The current police budget is $3,515,547.

The proposed police budget for the fiscal year that will begin July 1 is $3,681,892.

Within the current police budget is $76,000 for animal control.

The proposed budget includes $63,200 for animal control.

The council asked City Manager David Fierke to boost that amount to $80,000.

“To get a better service, we have to spend more money,” Halter said.

In response to a question from Councilman Andy Fritz, Police Chief Roger Porter said the type of problem that generates the most calls for the animal control officer varies throughout the year. He said at this time of year, complaints about animal neglect, such as dogs being left out in the cold, increase.

Porter said over the course of a year, removing dead animals from city streets probably accounts for the majority of calls for the animal control officer.

He added that the animal control officer does not deal with possums, skunks or other wildlife that is being a nuisance. “That’s beyond his contract,” Porter said.

Fritz recommended imposing stiffer fines on irresponsible pet owners. He suggested a fine of $500 to $750 for allowing a dog to run loose.

Councilman Dave Flattery said the animal control issues could not be solved during the budget workshop. He essentially ended the discussion by saying that a committee should be appointed to study the matter.

The rest of the police budget

The budget keeps the police force at 40 officers.

“I would still love to see an additional officer per shift,” Councilman Neven Conrad said. “I think we need to continue to look at how we continue to expand our department economically.”

“I would love to see that happen,” Porter replied.

The police budget includes $165,000 to replace vehicles and body cameras worn by officers.

The Police Department generally replaces the three oldest patrol vehicles every year.

Porter said gradually replacing the body cameras will prevent the need for buying 40 new ones all at the same time.