Animal shelter getting more funding, staff

The San Marcos City Council took a step toward approving the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year — and that budget includes about $60,000 more than anticipated for the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter.

The extra funds will be used to pay for a full-time volunteer coordinator and a full-time shelter technician. Both positions initially were budgeted to be part-time. City Manager Bert Lumbreras said that part-time positions tend to lead to higher turnover; moreover, with the two full-time positions, the shelter will be able to expand its hours to 7 p.m. for two nights a week, including Saturday (currently the shelter is only open until 4:30 p.m. for adoptions on Saturdays). 

“That is what we’re looking at doing, because I know that’s been a concern,” he said.

The discussion of the extra funds for the shelter came after public comments urging the council to increase funding to improve the outcomes for animals at the shelter. Local animal advocate Sharri Boyett asked the council to consider taking measures to increase live outcomes and maximize funding for spay/neuter and microchipping programs for the entire community. She also told council members that she wished they would pass a resolution setting a goal of 90 percent live outcomes for the shelter.

Animal advocate Kate Shaw also urged the council to consider increasing funding for the shelter and for animal services.

“Those additions will make a big difference for live outcomes at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter,” she said. 

During the public hearing on the budget, no members of the public came forward with comments. Before the council voted on the first reading of the budget, members Scott Gregson and Ed Mihalkanin abstained on matters related to boards and organizations they serve on, and Mayor John Thomaides stated that he would vote for the budget but is against higher community enhancement fees. The first reading passed 7-0; council will vote on the second reading on Sept. 18.

In other business Tuesday night, the council held a public hearing on the tax rate; no members of the public spoke about it. Council also held public hearings on increasing drainage, water and solid waste rates; resolutions adopting the increased rates passed unanimously.