The cities of Kenai and Soldotna are extending the agreement that allows animals impounded by Soldotna to receive care and shelter in Kenai.

Soldotna City Council members voted during their May 24 meeting to extend the agreement for another year for a lump sum of just under $50,000. Under the terms of the agreement, if Soldotna places more than 150 animals at the Kenai Animal Shelter, Soldotna will pay Kenai an additional $384 per animal.

Soldotna Police Chief Gene Meek wrote in a May 17 letter to council members that the city’s partnership with the Kenai shelter provides a cost effective way to house Soldotna’s animals. Further, Meek wrote that city data show Soldotna does not use the total number of reserved spaces at the Kenai shelter for Soldotna animals.

The new annual charges, Meek said, reflect an increase requested by the City of Kenai that aligns the annually adjusted Alaska Urban consumer price index.

“I believe this arrangement serves both communities well and (I) encourage the City Council to adopt the Resolution authorizing the continued partnership between the two cities,” Meek wrote.

Kenai Animal Control Chief Jessica “JJ” Hendrickson wrote in an April 2023 monthly report to Kenai City Manager Terry Eubank that the shelter took in 27 dogs and 21 cats this April. So far this year, the Kenai shelter has served roughly 190 animals.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.