Stray dogs found in Richmond will still be sheltered next year at the Henry County Humane Society.
The city’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved a 2027 contract during its Aug. 20 meeting. The contract will pay $45,000 to shelter up to 300 animals, a $150-per-animal cost. Any animal beyond that will also cost $150.
The Humane Society requested passage of the contract as it prepares its 2027 budget. The city has been paying $41,200 for 400 animals each year, then $103 for any additional animals housed there.
Major Neal VanMiddlesworth said the New Castle location continues to represent the best shelter resource available to Richmond Police Department.
In addition, the board approved a contract with Animal Care Alliance that enables ACA to sell city dog and cat tags. The city will repay ACA 40% of the money collected.
The annual tags this year cost $15 for intact animals and $8 for spayed or neutered animals. They require proof of rabies vaccination.
Other actions
- The board approved a $147,927 contract with Wetzel Ford to purchase three Ford Explorer police vehicles. The vehicles, which cost $49,309 each, are immediately available.
- A contract for Planeteria Media to redesign the city’s website was unanimously approved. The website will meet accessibility guidelines. Richmond Common Council appropriated $57,400 for the contract with Planeteria, which was chosen from 14 companies submitting proposals.
- Board President Ken Paust opened three bids for the demolition of the former Mechanics Laundry building at 1002 N. E St. JA Shroyer Group of Muncie bid $42,500, Mikesell Excavating of Richmond bid $64,800, and Dore & Associates of Bay City, Michigan, bid $126,925.
- A $6,500 contract with B&B Construction was approved for cleanup work at 2011 Boston Pike.
Street closings
The board approved the following closings:
- The Richmond High School homecoming parade route — South West 13th Street, West Main Street, South West First Street and Hub Etchison Parkway from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 9.
- The sidewalk and three parking spaces in the first block of North 10th Street until Oct. 12 for a boom lift to clean bricks at 930 E. Main St.
- Elm Place from 8 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. Sept. 19 for an E Street Pub customer appreciation event.
- Two parking spaces along the first block of North Seventh Street from Aug. 21 until Sept. 30 for a roll-off during renovation of the first floor in 630 E. Main St.
- Two parking spaces in the first block of North Eighth Street from Aug. 31 until Oct. 30 for a roll-off during work at 728 E. Main St.
A version of this article appeared in the August 26 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
