Staff are instructed to take steps to mitigate the risks associated with compliance. These include obtaining a joint general-liability insurance policy with the Town of Cobourg to insure against risk to both parties with respect to operations. The county will cover the premiums for this policy.

The county will also update its indemnification bylaw to ensure indemnification of councillors and the county's officers and employees against personal liability.

Staff will collect data from the shelter's operations and, based on this information, submit a revised exemption request.

Finally, up to $587,700 was authorized for costs associated with compliance, and general reserves will fund costs for 2024 – with figures for the 2025 budget to be updated.

The motion passed with no comments or debate from any of the county councillors present, including Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland.

Another special county council meeting is planned for Thursday night, featuring an overview of shelter services.