The Daily Times reported earlier this week that San Juan County expects to pay about $766,000 to house strays this year due to a 6 percent increase in costs at two animal shelters in the area.

Officials say more than $200,000 is used on stray animals from the Navajo Nation.

County Commissioner Jack Fortner says he has sent a letter to Navajo Nation officials informing them of the cost increase.

He says he hopes that the tribe will be able to pay for a portion of the annual cost for stray animals from the reservation.