New Braunfels City Council and the Comal County Commissioners Court are stepping in to help the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area as it faces many financial constraints so it can remain financially viable until the new budget kicks in after the new year.

How we got here

The Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area has been serving the area for decades by providing health care and rehoming services for animals. The nonprofit operates on a calendar year budget, running from Jan. 1-Dec. 31.

Since March, officials with the humane society and the city have been discussing how to tackle the issues facing the nonprofit, including:

• Inflation
• Funds for budget variances
• Employee retention and recruiting
• Minimal growth of contract revenue

“The HSNBA has been able to but has also had to rely upon donation and grant revenue to meet growing service demands and costs,” Assistant City Manager Jared Werner said at an Oct. 16 meeting.

What’s being done

Following discussions and potential budget proposals, the Commissioners Court approved amendments to its existing contract in place with the humane society on Oct. 19. City Council will also vote on changes to its contract at its upcoming meeting Oct. 23.

If approved, the humane society’s intake fee will increase by $100 to generate more revenue and will be effective starting in the October billing cycle. The humane society will also be required to host a presentation for City Council on its challenges, opportunities and goals.

A board liaison position will also be established to increase engagement, which will be helmed by Werner for one year, and will be involved in all financial and budgetary matters related to the humane society.