Title
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Accept, with gratitude, an unrestricted donation of $20,000 from Renèe Kowalik-Moss, the current acting trustee, on behalf of the Barbara Lee Bania Trust B, to support the Animal Services’ Pet Aid Fund; and
2) Authorize the HHSA Director, or Chief Assistant Director, to execute document(s) relating to this donation, contingent upon approval by County Counsel, if applicable.
FUNDING: 100% donation received from Renèe Kowalik-Moss on the behalf of the Barbara Lee Bania Trust B.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
El Dorado County Animal Services (AS) is responsible for the care, protection, and well-being of stray, surrendered, and impounded animals in the County. As required under El Dorado County Ordinance Title 6, §6.08.011, AS provides rabies control and accepts all stray animals. Additionally, California Penal Code §597.1 requires the County to provide humane care and veterinary treatment for animals in its custody.
To support this mission, the County established the Pet Aid Fund in 1993 to accept donations that provide emergency and routine veterinary care, medications, special diets, behavioral support, enrichment activities, and other necessities for animals awaiting adoption. The fund directly supports healthier animals, shorter shelter stays, improved adoptability, and reduced overall County costs.
The Barbara Lee Bania Trust B originally dated March 6, 2000, and subsequently amended in 2013, 2016, and 2018, named El Dorado County Animal Services as a beneficiary. On November 14, 2025, the County received official notification of its beneficiary status from the acting trustee, Renèe Kowalik-Moss of RKM Fiduciary Services. On June 4, 2026, Animal Services was notified of a donation of $20,000 from the Barbara Lee Bania Trust B.
If accepted by the Board, this unrestricted distribution will be deposited into the Pet Aid Fund. Funds will be used to expand access to medical treatment, provide specialized care and supplies, and support the behavioral and enrichment needs of animals in shelter care. These enhancements help ensure healthier animals, reduce stress, and improve adoption outcomes, ultimately benefiting both the animals and the wider community.
With Board approval, HHSA AS will gratefully accept this donation.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may direct HHSA to decline this donation from the Barbara Lee Bania Trust B. Should the Board decline to approve this agenda item, HHSA will continue to provide required services to animals and the community, however, it may require more use of General Fund to support the required activities.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
06/16/2026 Legistar file 26-0064 HHSA Animal Services Donation from Joseph F. Bania Family Trust
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This donation will help defray the cost of veterinary treatment and necessary supplies used to prepare treatable animals for adoption. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget request.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to provide one Certified Minute Order to the HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Rd, Suite B.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Olivia Byron-Cooper, MPH, Director, Health and Human Services Agency