The Riverside City Council recently approved a three-year, $16.8 million contract with Riverside County Department of Animal Services , despite concerns some council members raised over the cost of the agreement.

By the end of the agreement, the city will pay nearly double the annual amount it now pays for animal services.

Currently, the city pays $3.6 million a year on animal services. By the end of the third year in the agreement with the county, however, Riverside will pay about $6.6 million annually, according to a city report .

In an effort to quell overcrowding in animal shelters and meet rising costs, the council voted 5-2 on Nov. 18 to approve an updated services agreement with the county that runs through June 2028.

Councilmembers Clarissa Cervantes, Steven Robillard, S

See Full Page