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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 medica...
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