Tristan, an animal-control staff member, told the Stephenson County Board on Wednesday that recent shelter activity included 34 cats taken in (24 transferred to rescue, four adopted, five in foster care and one still adoptable) and 14 dogs brought into the shelter (nine reclaimed, two adopted, one rescued and two listed as adoptable). Tristan said the current inventory included nine adoptable animals and five in foster care and that a recent transport moved 10 cats — including semi-feral and FIV-positive animals — to a rescue partner.

Why it matters: county officials said the shelter’s intake and care numbers affect day-to-day operations and costs. Board members discussed existing fundraising, tiers for sponsorship and a supplemental $40,000 request tied to a planned GoFundMe and building maintenance if outside donations fall short.

Tristan described outreach efforts: the shelter mailed hundreds of solicitation letters to area businesses and has secured several pledges (a $1,000 kennel sponsorship from a local kennel was cited). Staff said donations of pet food arrived from PetSmart Charities and a local business called Beast Buffet. The shelter also proposed a sponsorship tier system discussed at the meeting: $250 for a cat condo, $500 for an outside dog run and $1,000 for kennel sponsorships; plaques or donor recognition would follow the level of sponsorship.

On funding, the animal-control budget as presented includes a line for a supplemental request of $40,000 intended for building maintenance and to match potential donations. County finance staff said the supplemental would come from the capital fund if approved; shelter staff said they would pursue GoFundMe and check donations and would reduce the supplemental if donations materialize. Board members asked whether microchip and adoption fees would change if the shelter handles implants itself; staff said they would evaluate revenues once services are finalized.

After discussion of revenue, donations and staffing needs (shelter staff noted part-time and secretary positions), the board voted to approve the animal-control budget as presented. Board members and staff noted that final funding for the supplemental request — if the county chooses to approve it later — hinges on finance committee actions and possible donor receipts.

What comes next: animal-control staff will continue fundraising and monitor the GoFundMe; if the supplemental is approved later, staff said they will use the funds for building maintenance and services. The board approved the budget for the coming year and asked staff to provide updates as donations and supplemental requests progress.