FLINT, Mich. — In November, voters in Genesee County will determine whether to renew a millage that funds Genesee County Animal Care and its services. The current millage is set to expire after the 2027 levy. If passed, the renewal would sustain funding for seven years, from 2028 through 2034, without raising the existing millage rate. According to county estimates, the millage could generate approximately $2.7 million in its first year.
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Without this funding, shelter staff indicate they would struggle to maintain their current service levels. Hannah Peterson, social media specialist with Genesee County Animal Care, noted that the loss of funding would lead to tough choices about which services they could continue.
The millage is crucial for managing the high volume of animals at the shelter and providing necessary medical care. Peterson highlighted the importance of having a full-time veterinarian, which has significantly improved their operations compared to relying on outside resources.
The proposed renewal would ensure continued support for shelter operations and necessary modernization efforts. Overpopulation remains a persistent challenge, particularly because the shelter adheres to a no-kill policy, which prevents euthanizing animals for space. Peterson emphasized the difficulty of maintaining sufficient shelter space as new animals arrive regularly.
If the renewal is not approved, Peterson warned that the facility would need to reevaluate resource allocation and potentially scale back community programs. She mentioned the potential impact on medical emergencies and the overall functioning of the shelter.
Ultimately, Peterson stated, the millage is intended to benefit the animals. The fate of this funding will be in the hands of voters this November.