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Everman approves interlocal agreements to expand animal-control services to three neighboring cities
Summary
The Everman City Council approved interlocal agreements to provide animal-control services to Forest Hill, Kennedale and Edgecliff Village, citing improved shelter practices and an outreach coordinator that staff said make the expansion manageable while emphasizing a future shelter expansion goal.
The Everman City Council on Oct. 14 approved interlocal agreements to provide animal-control and shelter services to the cities of Forest Hill, Kennedale and Edgecliff Village.
City officials said the agreements, authorized by a pair of resolutions, let Everman provide full animal-control services to the three cities in exchange for payment, and grant Everman officers jurisdiction to enforce local animal-control laws within those partner cities.
Council members and staff said the city’s improved intake policies and a new outreach coordinator have raised live-release rates and reduced the shelter burden compared with earlier practices. “We now have an outreach coordinator ... whose sole focus and job is to preserve these animals’ lives as best as possible through adoption, networking, and doing everything we can,” staff told council during the discussion.
Why it matters: Staff recommended the agreements in part to strengthen a joint case for grant funding and to make the case to potential funders that four cities are collaborating on a regional shelter solution. Council and staff also said the city budget already anticipates increased animal-control staffing if the agreements produce higher intake.
Key details: Staff said the shelter’s overall live-release rate recently has been about 80% for dogs and 60% for cats. The agreements mirror the city’s existing arrangement with Forest Hill and, according to staff, will be handled with the same operating approach rather than simply offering space for other cities’ animals. Staff also told council that Kennedale and Edgecliff Village lost access to other regional shelter capacity, prompting their requests for a partner.
Council action and vote: Council approved the interlocal agreements and a companion resolution granting authority for Everman animal-control officers to issue citations and enforce animal-welfare laws in the three cities. The motion was made, seconded and carried on a roll call with all council places and the mayor voting “Aye.”
What council told the public: Staff told council the city asked the three cities to provide intake and historic data before agreeing; staff said the data indicate the city can absorb the workload under its revised policies and with added outreach staffing. Staff and council emphasized the city’s longer-term goal to secure grant funding and build a larger shelter to increase capacity.
Next steps: Staff will execute the interlocal agreements and implement the expanded service footprint; council retained oversight and indicated it will monitor shelter capacity and grant prospects.
