City retains animal shelter

The city of Chico is opening negotiations with a law firm in an effort to possibly contract out city attorney services, as in-house attorney Lori Barker is set to retire in April.

Meanwhile, the city will maintain operation of the animal shelter. City Manager Brian Nakamura confirmed this week that the city’s Police Department will continue to run the shelter, under the supervision of Animal Services Manager Tracy Mohr.

The city took back management of the shelter’s animal intake services two years ago from the Butte Humane Society after the nonprofit’s 25-year run. BHS continues to run animal adoption services as well as a spay-and-neuter clinic.