Joint Animal Services proposes restructuring in 2025, higher contribution from jurisdictions 

Joint Animal Services (JAS) has unveiled its proposed strategic plan and budget for 2025, emphasizing strategic restructuring and financial sustainability. 

During the committee meeting on Monday, November 18, JAS Director Sarah Hock shared that the proposed 2025 budget, amounting to $3,604,949, incorporates significant changes to enhance operational efficiency and maintain financial health.   

“Our budgets yearly are based on strategies and key benchmarks, as well as the overall strategic plan,” shared Hock.  

In the proposed 2025 budget, contributions from partner jurisdictions will rise by about 15%.  

This increase is mainly due to the removal of the field rebate, which was applied in previous years to offset costs during staffing shortages in Field Services.  

The field rebate was offered because the organization lacked sufficient staff in Field Services, which includes roles like Animal Welfare and Field Manager and Field Officer II, who handle animal control and enforcement of animal regulations. 

Now that Field Services is fully staffed, the rebate is no longer necessary, leading to the higher assessment. 

The proposed assessment distribution for 2025 is as follows: Thurston County will contribute $1,081,561, Olympia $409,602, Lacey $437,659 and Tumwater $199,293.  

The gap between the $3.6M budget and the $2,128,115 contributed by partner jurisdictions is covered by various revenue streams, these include donations estimated at $194,000, licensing fees projected at $133,410, adoption fees totalling $87,100, reclaimed fees at $9,750, shared revenues amounting to $996,445, and depreciation at $56,130. 

While the total number of Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) remains unchanged at 22, a notable adjustment is the reallocation of the Animal Care and Veterinary Care Manager position to a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) role.  

“The restructuring is more of just the change of allocation, rather than adding any actual staff,” shared Hock. 

Hock said this change aims to better support veterinary services without increasing overall staffing levels. 

She also highlighted that the five-year strategic plan includes reducing reliance on reserves over five years to ensure long-term financial stability.  

Since 2021, JAS has utilized $1.5 million in reserves, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing operational needs.  

For 2025, the organization plans to utilize $385,000 from reserves, of which $250,000 comes from medical reserves to support veterinary staff, and $135,000 comes from general reserves. 

The proposed budget distinguishes these reserves based on their purpose and allocation.  

General reserves are used for broader operational needs and help reduce the financial impact on partner jurisdictions by offsetting operational costs. 

In contrast, medical reserves are restricted funds designated for veterinary services, such as salaries for the veterinarian and veterinary assistant, as well as in-house medical treatments and surgeries.  

This aligns with JAS’s goal to perform 95% of medical treatments and 90% of spay/neuter surgeries in-house.  

According to the proposed budget document, veterinary services are supported by a veterinarian, a Licensed Veterinary Technician, and a veterinary assistant. 

The proposed budget for 2025 showed a $224,591 or 5.86% decrease from the total 2024 budget amounting to $3,829,540.  

Hock said this reduction is attributed to decreased capital expenditures, while other costs, such as operating and maintenance expenses, continue to increase due to inflation, salary adjustments, and liability costs.