El Paso owed $1.5 million for animal shelter services by local governments

Seven regional entities renewed their contracts with the city of El Paso's Animal Services on September 1, even as the city remained owed approximately $1.5 million in unpaid bills from four local governments, according to El Paso Matters.

As of August 12, El Paso County owed about $1 million, San Elizario owed $84,000, Horizon owed $261,000, and Fort Bliss owed $84,000. In mid-July, the total outstanding balance had been approximately $1.8 million, with some entities making partial payments while others continued to accumulate debt.

The financial strain stems from fee increases the city implemented in 2024. The intake fee rose from $60 to $100, and the city removed a cap that had previously limited charges to six days per animal. Daily care fees increased from $18 to $27 per day with no time limit. Animals typically remain at the shelter for 30 to 45 days.

Several contracting entities halted or delayed payments after the rate increase took effect. San Elizario Mayor Miguel Chacon said the municipality's monthly costs escalated from $5,000-$6,000 to $16,000-$18,000. "Removing the cap on the number of days the city of El Paso charges per animal is not financially sustainable," Chacon said. San Elizario sent a formal letter to the city on August 13 objecting to the rates and requesting a return to 2024 pricing.

El Paso County Chief Administrator Betsy Keller said the county is auditing invoices to verify that animals charged were from within county limits. The county made two large payments—about $251,000 in 2025 and $741,000 in July—and is working to settle the remaining balance. Deputy County Administrator Joel Bishop said the county hopes to reach "a more clear agreement and billing guidelines."

Interim Animal Services Director Michael Wachsmann defended the fees, stating they cover medical care, treatment, and length of stay. "There's a financial attachment to the animals," Wachsmann said. "We want there to be some kind of ownership of these animals."

The agreements automatically renew each fiscal year after the city adopts its annual budget. Rates did not increase for the 2027 fiscal year beginning September 1. The city declined to comment on potential contract renegotiations, saying they remain under review.