STANTON

The City Council has agreed to renew its contract with the county’s Animal Care Services for a year but requested the city’s staff review alternatives for the future.

The county program provides animal shelters and patrol services. In part because of a cat distemper outbreak last winter, the county is charging more for its services. Stanton’s costs have increased by $14,000, City Manager Terry Matz said.

The city’s staff and council are concerned about the long-term affordability of the program.