The Webster County Board of Supervisors approved an amended fee schedule for the animal pound charges.

According to Kaila Benson, animal control officer, the fee schedule that was used by Pups & Paws Pound before it ended its contract with the county in June is resulting in a significant operating loss.

“We cannot afford to take a hit on some of these prices because we do not even break even on what the county is paying versus what we’re paying out,” said Benson of the previous pay schedule.

Benson noted that the rabies vaccine, which is required by state law, is currently being reimbursed at $18 to Webster County Animal Protection. However, the vaccine costs $25 each.

“We can’t operate by taking a hit and paying for all of these vaccinations out of pocket,” said Benson.

The supervisors voted to retroactively reimburse Webster County Animal Protection the amended fee schedule effective July 1. The amended fee schedule will cover the cost of the vaccinations and veterinary costs without Webster County Animal Protection making a profit. Supervisor John Cochrane voted against the measure.

The supervisors also approved a $500 contribution to the Iowa State Association of Counties in support of an amicus brief in the Couser v. Shelby County case which will be heard by the Supreme Court.

According to Supervisor Austin Hayek, the case is specific to the Summit Pipeline project and focuses on what controls local governments have around planning and zoning and economic development, especially when it comes to the pipeline project.

Multiple counties in Iowa have also approved contributions towards the amicus brief, which is a “friend of the court brief.”

“The Iowa Association of Counties thinks this is an important enough case that it needs to weigh in on for its membership,” said Webster County Attorney Darren Driscoll. “And the $25,000 is not court fees. I’m sure it’s for a very skilled appellate attorney to write a brief setting forth all of ISAC’s main issues and why it’s important that we not remove local controls from counties or boost local controls to give us more control of what’s happening.”

The supervisors heard from Webster County Recorder Courtney Balkenende, who noted that the Recorder’s Office collected $52,246.94 in fees for the previous quarter ending Sept. 30.

The supervisors also approved the low bid of $670 from Trey Lawnrence for a two year snow removal contract for the Yell Building, 723 First Ave. S.