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Council renews interlocal agreement with Hood County for animal control shelter services amid concerns about double‑billing
Summary
Council approved a 12‑month interlocal agreement with Hood County for animal shelter services for $17,810, but several council members questioned why city residents appear to pay through both county taxes and city charges.
Granbury City Council on Oct. 7 approved a 12‑month interlocal agreement with Hood County for animal control shelter services covering the city’s needs at a cost of $17,810 for the year. Council members raised concerns that city residents also pay county taxes for the same service and asked staff to seek an itemized breakdown and possible renegotiation.
Staff presentation and concern: City staff explained the agreement covers housing and care (food, euthanasia chemicals and related costs) for animals the city’s animal control officer brings to the county shelter. The contract increases the city’s annual payment by $360 from the prior amount; the city manager noted that Granbury residents pay county taxes that fund the county shelter while the city also pays the fee—creating a perception of “double dipping.”
Legal context and options: City Attorney explained that state law (health and safety code citation discussed during the meeting) places responsibility for animal control on the sheriff if a municipality does not provide the service. Because Granbury maintains an animal control office, the city must have a place to house animals it picks up; the county’s shelter provides that service. The attorney said the council’s choices are: enter the contract, find a private facility or abolish the city’s animal control office and rely entirely on the county.
Council direction: After discussion about quality and frequency of county responses and earlier instances when county staff did not respond promptly, council voted to approve the agreement for 12 months but asked staff to work with the county for a better arrangement going forward and to provide an itemized accounting of costs used to justify the fee.
Quote: “If we don't have a contract because we have an animal control office, if we don't have a contract for them, there may be a lapse in service,” the city attorney told council when outlining options.
Ending: Council approved the agreement by vote and directed staff to pursue renegotiation and itemization with Hood County; the contract may be terminated with 30 days’ written notice, staff said.
