Weatherford — The City Council authorized the city manager Aug. 26 to enter an interlocal agreement (ILA) with Parker County to update how the county helps pay for animal‑shelter services.
Eric Schumer presented the item, telling the council Parker County currently pays $729,000 per year and accounts for roughly 70% of the shelter’s annual intake. Schumer said the proposed ILA updates roles and responsibilities and ties the county’s fee for FY‑26 to the number of animals it brought the prior year; the formula will be trued up annually. The ILA gives Parker County a three‑year step‑up period to reach the full calculated amount; staff projected next year’s county contribution would be about $856,000 if fully implemented, and the step‑up pacing will start at 80% in year one and move to 90% in year two before reaching 100%.
Councilmembers asked how the added revenue would be used. Schumer and staff explained the FY‑26 budget includes two new animal‑shelter positions (an animal‑control officer and an animal‑care technician) and that the ramped‑up county payments will help offset personnel costs and ongoing renovations at the shelter, such as kennel replacements and other capital work already under way. Council and staff also said the city had delivered the required termination notice under the prior agreement to Parker County and that county officials have been engaged in discussions about continued partnership.
Why it matters: The revised ILA reduces the city’s long‑term subsidization of county animal intake and provides a funding path to support staff and capital needs at the shelter. Council approval authorizes city negotiators to finalize terms; the agreement’s stepped increases aim to allow Parker County time to budget for the higher payments.
Discussion vs. decisions: The council authorized the city manager to enter into the updated ILA (formal action). Council discussion included questions about the distribution of revenue and confirmation that stepped increases will be allocated toward staffing and shelter improvements.