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7.1.B. - Page 3 <br /> been subtracted from the total cost before the allocation of cost to individual agencies. <br /> In the proposed Agreement, each agency will be credited for the revenues attributable <br /> to its jurisdiction. This change provides an opportunity for cities to reduce their cost <br /> through promotion of higher rates of licensing and vaccination and the resultant <br /> increase in revenue. <br /> Based on Redwood City's current usage of animal control services, it is not anticipated <br /> that the changes in allocation methodology will have a substantive impact on our net <br /> cost. <br /> Service enhancement: An additional full-time animal control officer was added to the <br /> contractor's staff and response times were revised to more closely address the needs of <br /> the community. For example, all emergency calls must now be responded to within one <br /> hour. <br /> Performance management: The proposed Agreement includes new elements to assist <br /> the County and cities in managing the performance of PHS services. First, performance <br /> measures have been added related to the contractor's response to calls (as stated <br /> above), their collection of service fees from pet owners and the importance of <br /> vaccination. Second, there is a requirement for an independent audit of the animal <br /> control program at the end of the second year of the agreement to assess whether PHS <br /> is achieving efficiency and effectiveness in performance of its services. The scope and <br /> cost of the audit will be determined by a subgroup of interested parties and the results <br /> of the audit will be provided to all cities. Lastly, working through the SMCCMA, cities will <br /> have an opportunity to call for special meetings with PHS executive staff and board <br /> members to review expenditures and discuss any financial or program issues. <br /> Contractor savings incentive: The existing contract with PHS provides an incentive for <br /> the contractor to reduce costs by allowing them to save 75% of any such savings from <br /> their approved budget (with member agencies realizing the remaining 25% of savings), <br /> provided that these savings do not compromise service levels. The new agreement <br /> changes the split of unspent funds between PHS and the member agencies from 75/25 <br /> to 50/50. <br /> ALTERNATIVES <br /> Council could decide not to approve the agreement as proposed, either directing staff to <br /> request that the County renegotiate agreement terms, establish a City-run animal <br /> control program or seek an alternative provider of animal control services. <br /> As mentioned above, due to the high costs and economies of scale associated with <br /> animal control services, staff believes that a shared service approach is the most cost- <br /> effective way to provide such services. Staff has previously explored the possibility of <br /> creating or joining an alternative shared service arrangement and concluded that it is <br /> not economically or programmatically feasible at this time. The primary obstacle has <br /> been the need for a conveniently located shelter facility with the capacity to meet the <br /> needs of the Redwood City community (which is the second largest user of the current <br />