Collin County commissioners approved a measure Monday, April 6, to begin improvements to the county animal shelter after determining a 2023 bond package will not cover the full cost of a new facility.

The motion, approved unanimously, allows the county to begin using available cash on hand for upgrades to the existing shelter. Planned improvements include replacing the heating and air conditioning system, adding 8,800 square feet to animal housing areas and constructing an isolation room for animals with communicable diseases.

The decision comes as officials grapple with a funding shortfall tied to the $5.7 million bond voters approved in 2023 for a new animal shelter. County Administrator Yoon Kim reported that the money earmarked from the bond issue falls short of what the county needs to complete the job. Kim said updated estimates place the total cost closer to $11.1 million, far exceeding the original allocation.

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