Algona City Council Workshop September 28th 2026

At its September 28, 2026 workshop, the Algona City Council reviewed Metro Animal Services’ performance and costs under the city’s interlocal animal-control arrangement. Staff reported an allocation of $35,684.50 for 2026 and a proposed 2027 amount of $36,985.15, an increase attributed to labor contracts and operating costs; the per-resident base rate would rise from $8.35 to $8.74, while the $2.35 pet-license component would remain unchanged. Staff compared reported service calls—81 for the same period in 2025 and 46 through August 2026—and described outstanding questions about response levels, service performance, and the value of the arrangement. No contract award, spending approval, or procurement-related vote was recorded. Staff plans to meet with Metro’s director and the police chief on October 26, seek additional performance information, and report back; the council also discussed reviewing or revising the interlocal agreement and considering other service options.

The council also discussed municipal livestock-code requirements, including animal limits, grazing areas, setbacks, sanitation, enforcement, and whether the ordinance needs clarification. Staff offered to provide additional code references, and a council member suggested consulting the city attorney about the appropriate process for a possible variance. No code amendment or variance decision was made during the workshop.