To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ben Winkleblack, Animal Services Director
Report Title: Contract with Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (d.b.a. Joybound People and Pets)
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and Authorize the Animal Services Director, or designee, to execute a contract with Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (d.b.a. Joybound People and Pets) in the amount not to exceed $700,000 to provide vaccine and microchip clinics, pet retention assistance, client transportation, and spay and neuter programs for the period of September 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This contract is funded 100% by Measure X tax revenue.
BACKGROUND:
On November 3, 2020, Contra Costa County voters approved Measure X, which established a countywide, 20-year, ½ cent sales tax. This tax, which commenced collection on April 1, 2021, was designed to ensure continued funding for essential services in Contra Costa County.
On December 12, 2023, the Board of Supervisors allocated $750,000 from Measure X funds for various animal welfare services, including low-cost spay and neuter programs, microchipping and vaccination clinics, and pet retention services. Pet retention services encompass a range of support, such as spay/neuter procedures, behavioral and training assistance, fence repairs, food assistance, and grooming services. These initiatives aim to provide underserved community members with the resources necessary to keep their pets.
In April 2024, the Animal Services Department issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to identify qualified animal welfare organizations capable of serving high-intake areas within Contra Costa County. Following the RFP process, Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, operating as Joybound People and Pets, was selected to receive $700,000 in funding. This organization will deliver services in the City of Pittsburg/Bay Point (zip code 94565), the City of Richmond (94801), and surrounding communities. Services will include vaccine and microchip clinics, pet retention assistance, client transportation, and spay and neuter programs. Joybound People and Pets will provide these services from July 2024 through June 2027.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to approve this contract will affect the Department’s capacity to increase animal services in accordance with its Measure X funding and commitments.