TITLE
Recommendation to request City Council receive and file a presentation on outcomes of the temporary amnesty program waiving first-time pet licensing fees and late penalty fees for expired pet licenses adopted on June 21, 2022;
Request City Attorney to draft resolution providing for a temporary amnesty program waiving first-time pet licensing fees and late penalty fees for expired pet licenses in Community Development Block Grant-designated areas until December 31, 2022; and
Request City Manager to work with City staff to investigate the feasibility of utilizing available funding sources as potential offsets for any loss of revenue resulting from the temporary amnesty program and pet license fee waiver.
DISCUSSION
On June 21, 2022, the City Council adopted a resolution providing for a 60-day amnesty program waiving first-time pet licensing fees and late penalty fees for pet owners residing in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) zones throughout Long Beach. The item that originally requested the resolution, brought forward on May 24, 2022, identified that a temporary amnesty on first-time and late penalty fees could remove a financial hurdle for low- and moderate-income constituents, encourage residents to acquire pet licenses, and allow the Animal Care Services Bureau (ACS) to collect licensing fees they may have never received if not for the program. As the approved program expired on August 23, 2022, it is appropriate that staff report to Council on the program’s utilization and how to best implement similar initiatives in the future.
The COVID-19 pandemic has coincided with an increased use of ACS in Long Beach. Per the Proposed FY 23 Budget, ACS reached its highest adoption rate ever in 2021, up 60% over the previous three years. This increased utilization has led to a need for more staffing and investment into ACS. Staff needs are addressed in the proposed budget through the conversion and addition of full-time employees (FTEs) that enhance ACS’s volunteer management, support field and licensing operations, and implement the new Compassion Saves Program. In total, 5 new FTEs would be added to support their work. These additions could contribute to a more effective and higher utilized amnesty program, as augmented staffing may improve outreach to neighborhoods within CDBG-zones throughout the City and increase turnout for first-time pet licensees. Both the City and its residents benefit from more animals receiving licenses, and an extension of the program would allow those who were unaware of the initial program to participate and benefit.
STATEMENT OF URGENCY:
Due to the ongoing need for access to pet licensing, this item is urgent in nature.
FISCAL IMPACT
Because of the urgency of this item, a fiscal review was not able to be performed.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
AL AUSTIN
COUNCILMAN, EIGHTH DISTRICT
SUZIE A. PRICE
COUNCILWOMAN, THIRD DISTRICT
STACY MUNGO
COUNCILWOMAN, FIFTH DISTRICT