TOLEDO, Ohio – Lucas County Canine Care and Control (LC4) is moving forward with a proposed 2027 budget that trims more than $630,000 from its operations. The draft, filed on Aug. 6 by LC4 Director Terra Bundy, reflects the county‑wide directive that all departments reduce their budgets by 13%.
Key staffing and service adjustments
The final proposal calls for the elimination of four employee positions. Earlier versions of the draft had called for seven cuts, along with the removal of the low‑cost vaccine clinic, pet food pantry and foster program. LC4 officials said the revised plan keeps those community‑focused services intact, responding to concerns that their loss would raise euthanasia rates, increase staff burnout and generate overtime expenses.
Other cost‑saving measures
Beyond personnel reductions, the budget outlines cuts to contracting services and to medical supplies and equipment, together accounting for roughly $260,000. These adjustments are intended to meet the county’s overall 13% reduction target while preserving core animal‑care functions.
Fee increases to offset cuts
To help balance the budget, LC4 proposes raising adoption, surrender and owner‑requested euthanasia fees by a combined $19,000. The additional revenue is projected to offset a portion of the proposed cuts without compromising service quality.
Next steps and community response
The proposal remains a working document; no cuts are final. LC4 has submitted the draft to the Lucas County Board of Commissioners, who will review the figures and make the ultimate decision. A county spokesperson confirmed that the final budget does not include the earlier suggested eliminations of the vaccine clinic, pet food pantry or foster program.
Community members have expressed concern over the potential impact of staff reductions on animal welfare. LC4 Director Bundy highlighted the importance of maintaining essential services to prevent higher euthanasia rates and to support overworked staff.
Public access to the proposal
The full 2027 budget proposal is publicly available for review. Residents seeking more information or wishing to comment can contact the county administrator’s office. An interview request with Director Bundy has not yet been answered.
Lucas County’s ongoing effort to trim departmental budgets underscores the broader fiscal discipline being applied across all county agencies. The final outcome will depend on the commissioners’ assessment of LC4’s revised plan and the community’s feedback.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
