Wisconsin Rapids City Budget and SWCHS Funding

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (WFHR, WIRI) – There was a special meeting of the City Council last week to hear public comment on the 2025 City Budget. Many people spoke in favor of the city continuing to contract with the South Wood County Humane Society. There was a motion at a previous meeting on November 7th to look into other animal control options and cut the funding to $25-thousand-dollars. At the November 14th meeting, the Council decided to refer the contract for animal shelter services back to the Finance and Property Committee, but also keep the higher amount for animal control in the budget. The full Council meeting to approve the City Budget happens Tuesday, November 19th at 6PM. According to the city’s website, there was no meeting scheduled for the Finance and Property Committee before the full council meets. 

SWCHS cannot provide services without a contract

If the city doesn’t sign a contract with the South Wood County Humane Society, they legally cannot provide services. If people call, they will be referred back to the city. Wisconsin law requires that all stray animals be brought to the entity/facility contracting with the municipality where the animal was found to provide sheltering services. If someone is not able to bring in the animal themselves, they should call the non-emergency police line.

Changes to the way SWCHS does contracts

The Humane Society revised all municipal contracts and yearly fees for 2025. They believe the new system for contracts, fees, and how business is conducted is more user-based and fair. Each municipality was sent a contract based upon real numbers for expenses, animals cared for, and other additional services requested by each municipality. The amount of the contract is based on the average of their last three years of services. As a whole, the total requested from municipalities contracting with SWCHS, is 25-percent of their operating budget.

Contact your Alderperson

SWCHS Board President Tim Kriz said if residents in the City of Wisconsin Rapids want to continue services with the Humane Society, they need to contact their Alderperson and let them know. He believes the services their non-profit provides are fair and that residents are willing to pay. Kriz said, “I honestly firmly believe that the vast vast majority of the residents of Wisconsin Rapids will give up $4.22 a person to have services from our shelter.” He said if you want your alderperson to know how you feel on this issue, you should respectfully let them know. Kriz stated, “I would urge any of the people, if you want to have a contract with us, your city, call your alderman or alderperson, tell them.”

Links

You can find which Wisconsin Rapids City district you reside in here. If you want to contact your Alderperson, you can find that information on the City website here.