This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Oops on the Poop!

This just in: The city does not spend nearly as much as first reported on the plastic doggy waste bags in the parks.

The city of San Juan Capistrano does not spend more than $25,000 on doggy waste bags after all.

City Councilman Derek Reeve for the small, green, plastic bags found in dispensers throughout city parks. He wondered if that amount covered a quarter or even a year.

Nope, Finance Director Cindy Russell told him. That was just for one month. She said the city spend $27,000 a year on the powdery-smelling bags.

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But now comes news from the city’s Public Works Department that city only spends $9,500 a year on the bags, which come from Doggie Walk Bags Inc. (As an aside, the company has a great slogan: We’re the No. 1 solution to your No. 2 problem.)

According to the Public Works memo, the figure includes $1,500 for damaged dispenser replacement, new dispensers and extra bags.

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition, the city pays its landscape contractor, Merchant’s Landscape, $2,100 a year to stock the bags, the memo states, bringing the grand total to $11,600, less than half first reported.

The city of Dana Point also scrambled to let Patch know it no longer spends $45,000 annually on MuttMitts, as indicated in its approved budget posted online. Brian McClure, parks manager there, said his city has switched brands, to EcoGreen Pet Pouch Bags, and now spends ony $25,000 a year.

Trust Patch to give you the scoop! We want to get to the bottom of issues that concern you. We’re dog-gone determined to get the story, no matter how messy. We're ... give us your best pun below!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?