Gurnee sticks with Lake County Animal Care and Control
Gurnee village board members have approved an amended contract to continue receiving service from Lake County Animal Care and Control.
Amended deals have been appearing before some village boards because the Lake County Health Department's animal division wants to clarify services and associated fees for the contracted towns, spokeswoman Leslie Piotrowski said Monday.
"The agreements had not been revised since 2008," she said. "The amendments to the agreements clarify and provide a more comprehensive explanation of the services animal care and control offers during and after office hours.
At Monday night's Gurnee village board session, trustees voted 6-0 in favor of the new agreement, a mix of fee increases and decreases. Mayor Kristina Kovarik endorsed continuing the relationship with the county government.
"It's a great example of a shared service that would be very cost-prohibitive for us to try to accomplish on our own," Kovarik said.
Under the revised fee structure, Gurnee won't be charged for transportation, boarding and disposal for stray cats picked up at a secure municipal location, according to Animal Care and Control program coordinator Robin Van Sickle.
Now, the village will be charged a flat $35 for each impounded stray cat instead of the previous, varying rate of $90 to $110.
The previous charge was based on whether a cat was considered adoptable.
Deputy Police Chief Willie Meyer also recommended striking the amended contract with Lake County Animal Care and Control.
"In reviewing the new animal warden contract, it continues to provide the village of Gurnee with the services that we need to humanely treat animals that come under our control," Meyer said.
Piotrowski said 41 of 52 municipalities have contracted for Animal Care and Control services for many years from Lake County.
Animal Care and Control enforces laws, along with providing temporary shelter for stray and unwanted pets. The health department division also takes animals to adoption centers.