MISSION VIEJO : Laguna Niguel, City Close to Shelter Deal

City officials are nearing an agreement with Laguna Niguel to share space and services at the city animal shelter.

City Manager Dan Joseph said a contract could be ironed out in about a month that would split the cost of running the facility.

“I’m pretty optimistic about settling this soon,” Joseph said.

Money issues have been mostly settled with negotiations focusing on “more legalese and insurance questions,” he said.

The city manager estimated the overall cost of the shelter program serving both cities would be $540,000. Subtracting revenue, the net cost of $272,000 would be divided by Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo. As the larger city, Mission Viejo would pay about $167,000.

Laguna Niguel has agreed to install 16 kennels and purchase a vehicle to help animal control officers patrol city streets.

Although he didn’t rule out making deals with other cities in the future, Joseph said that Mission Viejo will concentrate on working with Laguna Niguel, at least until their contract is finalized.

Members of a Dana Point animal group called the Animal Rescue Foundation have been interested in using the Mission Viejo shelter. Dana Point officials are working on creating a joint powers agency with San Clemente.