HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.31.25 Attachment_OAHS Fact Sheet
City of Oshkosh – 2026 Budget
Humane Society Funding Fact Sheet
Background
The City of Oshkosh has partnered with the Oshkosh Area Humane Society (OAHS) for over a
decade to provide services to the Police Department for animal shelter and care. Historically,
the City’s contract included an annual escalator, resulting in a 2025 budgeted payment of
$107,582, plus a majority of the pet license revenue collected by the City.
These payments are not designed to support the overall operations of the OAHS, but to
compensate them for the services provided to the City of Oshkosh Police Department.
In 2026, the City has proposed a $60,000 contract, aligning more closely with what comparable
Wisconsin communities pay for similar services.
Animal Shelter Statistics and Cost Analysis
• 2024 Animal Shelter Intake:
o Total Animals Accepted:
▪ City data indicates 91 animals; data provided by OAHS indicates 112 animals
• 2025 Animal Shelter Intake (as of 10/28/2025):
o Total Animals Accepted: 125
o Notable Incidents: 2 calls involved a significant number of animals
• Cost Analysis (excluding license fees):
o 2024 Costs, based on 2024 contract:
▪ Estimated Cost Per Animal: Between $900 - 1,200
o 2025 Estimated Costs, based on 2025 contract:
▪ Estimated Cost Per Animal: $800
Why the Proposed Change?
The City is facing a structural budget deficit and the Common Council directed staff to review all
expenditures to identify efficiencies. The review revealed that Oshkosh has been subsidizing
OAHS’s general operations, rather than paying for the services provided. The new approach
more closely aligns Oshkosh with regional cost models and ensures that taxpayer dollars are
used directly for contracted services.
Regional Comparisons
Municipality Provider Contract Model Estimated Annual
Cost (Based on
Oshkosh’s Activity)
Oshkosh (2025) OAHS Flat + escalator $107,582
Oshkosh (Proposed
2026)
OAHS $50,000 for up to 500
animals + $100/animal
over
≈$60,000
Neenah Neenah Animal
Shelter
$25,000 up to 250
animals; $80/animal
after
≈$25,000
Winnebago Co
Sheriff
Fox Valley
Humane Society
Pay per call/service ≈$12,786 (2024)
Fond du Lac FDL Humane
Society
$10,000 cat fee + $80–
$150/dog
≈$19,300 (2024)
Appleton Fox Valley
Humane Society
Contract $16,000 (budgeted
2026)
Bottom line: Oshkosh’s historic payments are significantly higher than peer communities for
comparable services.
Key Takeaways
• Oshkosh taxpayers have historically paid 4 to 8 times more than what other
municipalities pay for similar services.
• The 2026 proposal continues the same level of service to residents and animals, only
changing how we pay for those services.
• The City remains committed to supporting humane, responsive, and effective animal
care, while ensuring fiscal responsibility.