TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
THROUGH: Jennifer W. Shuler, County Attorney
FROM: Christopher A. Hicks, Assistant County Attorney
DATE: August 29, 2025
SUBJECT: Purchase of Property for Animal Control/ Emergency Services
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BACKGROUND
For several years Indian River County Animal Control has worked with the Humane Society to bring stray and dangerous animals to a safe haven. In recent years, the Humane Society has struggled with space and availability issues for animals in need of care. This has created a situation in which the officers are not able to provide full services to the community nor adequately protect the life, safety, and health of the County. With an increasing number of citizens, the volume of calls for service continues to increase. Without the provision of larger spaces and better processes, the situation will continue to escalate and become dangerous in the future. To ensure that Animal Control can fully protect the community and provide adequate services, Emergency Services has been in discussions to provide more robust services, including opening a facility to assist in the housing and care of animals in need. County staff would operate this facility, ultimately freeing up the Humane Society’s staff and resources. This would also provide the community with enhanced public safety, greater animal care capacity, and direct access for lost, found, and adoptable animals.
ANALYSIS
Due to continued growth in the County, increased demand upon Animal Control, and lack of available housing and care facilities in Indian River County, Emergency Services has been forced to consider alternative planning to protect the safety and well-being of the community. A site has been identified at 6580 69th Street, which is the home of an existing veterinary clinic. The property is 11+ acres and already hosts a fully equipped animal hospital, large animal barn, and various other structures. Upgrades and modifications prior to becoming fully operational will be necessary, but the existing improvements are roughly 70-80% of what is necessary to move forward with the current plan. Additionally, the land is large enough that the back portion could easily be utilized for other Emergency Services purposes in the future. An offer of $2,500,000 was accepted by the owner for the land ($2,100,000), structures, and all furniture, fixtures, and equipment ($400,000).
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Funding, in the amount of $2,500,000, is budgeted and available in the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 budget in the Optional Sales Tax/Animal Services/New Animal Shelter account, number 31524962-066510-25043.
FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
There will be further improvements necessary that will be brought before the Board for approval.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
The Board has entered into previous Humane Society contracts as well as the 2025-2026 Emergency Services Budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
County staff recommends that the Board approve the purchase agreement for the property located at 6580 69th Street, Vero Beach, direct staff to perform all due diligence tasks and proceed to closing as soon as possible, and authorize the Chairman to execute all closing documents.