Item 6: Draft Recommendation to Council to provide funding for one animal enrichment specialist — original pdf

Backup

. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Animal Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260309-005]: Austin Animal Services Budget Recommendation FY ’27 & FY ‘28 Regarding Staff Animal Enrichment Specialist WHEREAS, Austin Animal Services has employed an animal enrichment specialist paid not from the general fund but from donations made to Austin Animal Services, but the services they provide are critical and on-going given shelter enrichment enhances adoptability of shelter animals, WHEREAS, the city’s strategic plan includes a goal of Economic and Workforce Development; and WHEREAS, Austin Animal Services has as one of its six priorities Humane Care with a specific strategy to “enhance capacity to provide enrichment and socialization services to all animals,” it is critical to at least ensure that the current enrichment specialist staff position can be maintained regardless of donation proceeds. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Animal Advisory Commission encourages the Austin City Council to provide funding in the general budget for a staff animal enrichment specialist. The estimated FY 2027 cost of this staff position would be $90,053. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________