‘No-kill’ shelter status up for county vote
Animal advocates have spoken out in recent months about their desire to see the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter gain no-kill status. And this morning, the Hays County Commissioners Court could take an important step toward that goal.
The commissioners are slated to discuss and consider adopting a resolution supporting the creation of a plan to reach no-kill status, with a live outcome rate of at least 90 percent. The resolution would show the county’s support for working with all stakeholders to implement changes and improvements to shelter operations. The resolution supports the creation of an Inter-Local Animal Services Commission consisting of representatives from each city and county entity that has a contract for animal shelter and animal control services. The resolution calls for the commission to operate transparently and provide periodic reports on progress. The commission would also be tasked with creating an operational plan and budget that would move the shelter to no-kill status within two years.
In other business, the commissioners will consider authorizing a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice for funds from the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP). SCAAP reimburses local governments for the cost of jailing “undocumented criminal aliens.” Hays County has received SCAAP funds for “a number of years,” according to the county agenda. The Bureau of Justice Assistance states that applicants receive prorated payments based on costs submitted and number of inmates. According to the bureau, funds are used to reimburse costs of incarcerating “undocumented criminal aliens with at least one felony or two misdemeanor convictions for violations of state or local law, and incarcerated for at least four consecutive days during the reporting period.”
The commissioners are also set to consider an interlocal agreement with Falls County for the housing and care of Hays County inmates. The agreement would take effect when Hays County’s jail reaches capacity and would pay Falls County $38 per inmate per day.
Also on the agenda is a professional services agreement with Water and Earth Technologies Inc. for annual maintenance of the county’s low water crossings and flood detection system. The agreement would cover the county’s existing real-time monitoring stations, roadway flashers and radio repeaters. The $62,500 required for this agreement was budgeted during the county’s budget process.
Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Water and Earth Technologies, Inc. (WET) for the annual maintenance of the low water crossings and flood detection system throughout Hays County.
The Hays County Commissioners Court will meet at 9 a.m. on the third floor of the Hays County Courthouse. Meetings are also streamed live.
