Lucas County Canine Care and Control has proposed more than $630,000 in cuts to its 2027 budget, WTVG reported Oct. 26. Lucas County commissioners have asked all departments to reduce their 2027 budgets by 13%. LC4 Director Terra Bundy submitted the document Aug. 6 to the county administrator as a working paper for discussion, according to the report.
An earlier draft that circulated online drew community concern. It proposed eliminating seven positions and ending the low-cost vaccine clinic, pet food pantry and foster program. Bundy listed concerns that the early draft would lead to higher euthanasia rates, staff burnout and overtime. A county spokesperson said Monday that the final LC4 proposal did not include those cuts.
The current proposal's largest reduction is staffing: four employees would be cut. It also lists about $260,000 in reductions to contracting services and medical supplies and equipment. LC4 hopes to raise more than $19,000 by increasing fees for adoptions, surrenders and owner-requested euthanasia.
The cuts remain proposals. LC4 has sent the plan to county commissioners, who have final authority. A request to interview an LC4 director was not answered, WTVG reported.