Higher kennel costs upset board

DIXON – Lee County’s animal control houses dogs at River Ridge Animal Hospital, and it will continue to do so.

But County Board members said they weren’t happy with the higher costs under a new contract with River Ridge.

The basic rent will increase nearly 20 percent per month – from $1,600 to $1,900. That fee will be for up to three dogs per day. The county gets space for 10, but the hospital will charge $9.50 a day extra for each dog more than three.

“This is way out of line,” said Ed Fritts, R-Dixon, asking why the county didn’t put up the contract for bid.

Judy Truckenbrod, R-West Brooklyn, who heads the committee that oversees the contract, said panel members agree with Fritts, which is why the contract is for a half-year only.

She said the committee planned to look at its options, but she warned that the county may not have alternative places to house the dogs taken in by animal control.

“We can put it up for bid, but we need to think about who is able to do what we need,” Truckenbrod said. “We need a place to house the dogs while we’re looking.”

Marilyn Shippert, R-Dixon, another committee member, said the panel has been negotiating with River Ridge since November.

“This is much better than their original proposal. If you are shocked at this, you should have seen the original one,” Shippert said. She didn’t provide details.

Greg Witzleb, R-Dixon, said the animal hospital apparently is trying to “pick up extra finances.” He said that although he wasn’t happy about the contract, the county had a legal obligation to find a place for the dogs.

In a voice vote, County Board members overwhelmingly supported the contract. Under the agreement, Lee County provides food and cleaning supplies.

In a phone interview, Nathan McClain, a veterinarian and co-owner of River Ridge, said the contract hadn’t been addressed in quite some time. He said the business wanted to cover costs that have increased over the years.