(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council is expected to act Wednesday, on passing a Resolution “Approving [the] Schedule of Adoption Fees for the Atlantic Animal Shelter. The State of Iowa is currently requiring animal shelters to not only vaccinate all animals in their care, but also to spay or neuter them. That means an increase in costs to the Atlantic Shelter, which are being passed on to prospective pet owners. Currently, the cat adoption fee is $10, with an additional $55-$130 for veterinary fees. For dogs, the current adoption fee is $25, with an additional $60-$265 for veterinary fees. Under the Resolution, the fees move to a flat rate of $100 for cats and $200 for dogs.

City Administrator John Lund says the City’s fees will still be low compared to other animal adoption agencies in the region, which typically range from $60-250 for cats, and $100-500 for dogs. Lund says a secondary component of the fee schedule, is that Animal Shelter will allowed discretion on the reduction of prices on a needs-based sale of pets, that may otherwise be euthanized. Euthanization costs the City money, Lund says, and negatively impacts the Animal Shelter during a review by State officials. “High euthanizing rates are frowned upon by the state,” he says. This discretion he adds, “Will allow us to save an animal, lower costs, keep the state happy and allow those with limited means to own a pet.” The City’s Personnel & Finance Committee reviewed the matter during their meeting last week, and have unanimously endorsed the proposals.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, will act on passing a Resolution approving the job description, FY 2022 compensation, and authorizing the posting for, the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Position. Upon review, the Personnel & Finance Committee proposes compensation for the position be a salary of $41,600; 2,080 per year; $20/hour equivalent. The Council will receive an annual presentation by Library Director Michelle Andersen, and, act on approving the second reading of an Ordinance pertaining to volunteer firefighter appointments. A section of code requires the City to approve such appointments, but it has never actually been done. The Council passed the first reading of the amended Ordinance during their previous meeting, which strikes the section requiring City oversight, and leaves such matters to the Fire Chief, instead.

The Council is also expected to act on an Order re-appointing Keith Harlan to the Airport Commission. Their meeting begins 5:30-p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20th, in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.