As the expiration date approaches for an animal control agreement with Branch County, Hillsdale County officials are grappling with where to house stray dogs.

The 10-year contract allowed Hillsdale County to transport unclaimed strays to Branch County’s facility in Coldwater after a 24-hour holding period at the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office. The contract will expire on Dec. 31, 2026. The arrangement stemmed from a 2015 fire that destroyed Branch County’s previous shelter, leaving officials short on funds to complete a new one. Hillsdale gave Branch $90,000 to help rebuild and has housed dogs there since.

Hillsdale County Commissioner Brad Benzing said Hillsdale has made progress toward extending the contract and has met with Branch County twice.

“The first was last year to attempt to get a reconciliation of the costs allocated against the $90,000 we paid Branch County toward the construction of their current shelter,” he said. “The second was to discuss the terms of a new contract.”

Hillsdale County, along with Sheriff Scott Hodshire, has also contacted outside groups for help.

“We have also met with members of the board of directors of the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society to inquire into their interest in contraction with the county,” Benzing said. “Sheriff Hodshire has reached out to Jackson County, and we are waiting to hear if they have interest in offering us a proposal.”  

Branch County Administrator Frank Walsh said the imbalance in costs and usage of animal control between the counties has influenced negotiations.

“For the nine years of the contract, dating back to its inception, we have housed 1,337 Branch County dogs,” he said. “At the same time, we housed 950 Hillsdale County dogs. Hence, 41% of the dogs that entered our building originated from Hillsdale County. On the flip side, during the same nine-year period, Branch County’s total animal control budget was approximately $1 million.”

Benzing said despite the numbers, euthanasia rates are low.

“It is our understanding from Branch County officials that four dogs have been euthanized since the inception of the current contract,” Benzing said. “We also understand that Branch County has not recovered any costs from the owners of reclaimed dogs from Hillsdale County.”

While Hillsdale has helped Branch financially, its share of dogs is more than its payment, according to Walsh.

“While Hillsdale County accounted for 41% of the dogs, they contributed $90,000, or 9% of the total operating costs for animal control,” Walsh said. “We have met twice with Hillsdale County. Hillsdale County remitted three $30,000 payments to Branch County. Two of the checks were received on Jan. 12, 2018. The final check was received on April 24, 2020.”

Still, he said he hopes a deal can be reached.

“Our goal is to continue serving our neighbors with a regional approach. It’s always more economical for our taxpayers when we work together to lower costs,” Walsh said. “We have provided the county with an equitable approach to a new contract. Our offer is you simply pay your fair share for the number of dogs you bring into the shelter. We are not asking for Hillsdale to pay for building costs. The county’s preference is the same as my preference. Let’s work together in a fair manner that is best for the taxpayers and our dogs.”

Hillsdale County officials say they are still exploring options.

“We are trying to explore all of our options at this point,” Sgt. John Gates of the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office told The Collegian. “We will determine what is the most cost-effective and the most efficient path for our office and the citizens of Hillsdale County.”

Benzing said the commission is working for the residents of Hillsdale.

“We have been very satisfied with our current arrangement with Branch County and are open to continuing it,” he said. “However, we have to base any decision on the costs involved and our available funds. Our budget is very tight, and we have several large projects, such as relocating district court. Ultimately, our obligation to the taxpayers is to find the best value and lowest costs for the money they provide to us.”

Walsh said the issue remains a priority for his county.

“This is an important issue for Branch County,” he said. “The care of animals is very important to our county residents.”