Dog tag fees increased

The department hasn't had a fee increase since 1995.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County Dog Warden Carol Markovich says she can't pull her department's shoestring budget any tighter.
To make ends meet, dog license fees in the county will increase from $10 to $15, and registration fees for kennel operators will go from $50 to $75, effective Dec. 1. County commissioners approved the increases Thursday.
The last increase was in 1995.
Markovich said she's needed an increase for the past couple of years, but opted instead to focus on increasing revenue through improved fee collection.
For example, she began cross-referencing her records with rabies vaccination records from the state. Dog owners who took their dogs for shots, but hadn't bought a license, were contacted about dog tags.
"I wanted to explore every avenue and make sure I made every effort to collect," Markovich said. "Dog licenses could cost $50, but if you're not selling any, you're not going to make your budget."
When to buy them: Dog licenses will go on sale Dec. 1, which is why the new fees go into effect then. The cost will double for those who fail to buy a dog license by the Jan. 31, 2003, deadline.
Markovich stressed that her department gets no money from the county general fund. Under Ohio law, the department is funded solely by revenue from licensing fees.
Based on the 32,000 dog licenses that were sold and the 170 kennels that were registered last year, the increases are expected to generate more than $164,000 in additional revenue. The department's budget last year was about $462,000.
Funds are needed: Markovich said the department badly needs the money to cover its operating costs, which include gas for trucks, vehicle maintenance, dog food, utilities, office supplies and employee uniforms.
The department also needs an updated computer system to make its reporting and record-keeping more efficient, and it needs to replace some of its aging animal transport trucks, Markovich added.
"I have literally been operating on a shoestring budget here," the dog warden continued. "You get to the point that you cannot function properly. You need equipment, you need uniforms and supplies, you need vehicles."
County Administrator Gary Kubic agreed that the increase is long overdue and commended Markovich for her close budget maintenance over the years.
bjackson@vindy.com