Rio Dell moved its permanent police animal kennel project one step closer to construction July 21, authorizing work on the concrete slab and directing staff to seek donations, sponsorships and grants to cover about 30% of the roughly $125,000 cost before returning for additional funding approval.
According to council minutes, Police Chief Phinney told the council the project would include a prefabricated kennel, a reinforced slab and fencing and utility improvements. He said the city’s current arrangement in Fortuna is limited and could become less reliable if that city demolishes its kennel facility as part of a sewer expansion project.
The council’s action authorized construction of the slab only. Staff will return later if outside funding reaches the 30% target and the city is ready to consider the remaining balance. City Manager Kyle Knopp said the project would require a budget adjustment as an unbudgeted General Fund expense, but that city reserves are sufficient to cover the initial cost while still meeting minimum reserve requirements.
The kennel item came during a meeting that also included approval of a senior home repair contract renewal, a direction to support the Redwood Coast Energy Authority’s proposed rate increase, and a recurring dedication of animal-license revenue to the city’s spay and neuter voucher program. The kennel project had also been listed on the July 21 agenda.[^agenda]
[^agenda]: July 21 council agenda.
