BREMERTON — The Bremerton City Council unanimously approved a five-year contract with the Kitsap Humane Society for animal control and licensing at the Jan. 20 council meeting.

The contract will give an annual 2-percent increase to the humane society. The 2016 contract totals $201,960, or $16,830 a month. That will increase by an annual $4,039.20 for 2017. The 2016 budget is $3,960 more than the 2015 budget.

The services the humane society provides, as outlined in the contract, includes enforcement of the animal-related ordinances such as animal cruelty and complaints; assistance in prosecuting citizens for violating any ordinance or statute pertaining to animals; licensing, marketing and fees for domestic animals; and more.

The contract is for domestic animals only, not wildlife, according to Shannon Corin, city clerk.

Council member Leslie Daugs said at the meeting, “We always want to look into the future as council members,” and questioned whether it would be fiscally responsible to enter into a contract that automatically gives an increase each of the five years.

“Since each year is questionable regarding finances in our city,” Daugs asked, “are we willing to say yes, we are okay with a five-year contract, 2-percent increase each year?”

However, according to Corin, the annual increase works out to “be more beneficial to us financially” than raising the budget in one lump sum to adjust for increased costs.

“It allows us to grow our expenses slowly as they’re able to also grow their revenue to meet the expenses they have,” Corin said.

The contract also allows for termination or renegotiation as needed.

Eric Stevens, executive director of KHS, said, “I think if there were unusual circumstances, hopefully we would both be at the table to renegotiate terms.

“I think the contract for five years is intention, and it’s for mutual convenience not to have to go through this every year.”