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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Accept, with gratitude, an unrestricted donation of $15,957.45 from Renèe Kowalik-Moss, the current acting trustee, on behalf of the Joseph F. Bania Family Trust A, 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 Joseph F. Bania Family Trust A.
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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 Joseph F. Bania Family Trust A 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 March 24, 2026, Animal Services was notified of the total donation distribution amount of $15,957.45.
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 Joseph F. Bania Family Trust A. 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:
N/A
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.
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