The Indianola City Council met in regular session Monday, which included a discussion regarding the city funding for Kiya Koda Humane Society. The council dispersed funds from the hotel/motel tax funds that traditionally go towards organizations such as Kiya Koda, the Indianola Chamber, and Bravo Greater Des Moines among many others.

During initial budget discussions, Kiya Koda requested $216,000 from the council to continue to provide services for the city in picking up loose pets and providing services to the Indianola Police Department, and the city council discussed providing the same amount as FY25, $54,000. As stated by Indianola City Councilwoman Melissa Sones at the meeting, with only the $54,000 in funding Kiya Koda said services would be limited to only picking up dogs, and only during hours of operation.

Interim City Manager Doug Bylund tells KNIA News the council gave direction to city staff to explore what services Kiya Koda provides and how to pay for it.

“Currently there is nothing in the budget for Kiya Koda services. Council direction was to determine what services that the city still needs from animal control, whether it is an arrest and a dog is with that person when they are arrested, or a vicious dog, or some kind of animal control services that the city needs to pay for. So we need to work with Kiya Koda to figure out what those are going to be and how to move forward.”

Indianola Police Chief Brian Sher stated at the meeting the department utilized their services approximately 25 times per year. Hear more on today’s Let’s Talk Indianola.