Mayor, council and staff outline near-term plan for animal shelter improvements and new animal-control position

Mayor Williams (referred to by council) outlined a three-part plan for animal-control services and the city's animal shelter that city staff have included in the proposed FY2026 budget.

The mayor said the plan includes: (1) adding a full‑time animal control technician in the 2026 budget (a city employee, not a public-safety officer) to extend shelter coverage including weekends; (2) directing Tyler (animal-control staff) and Public Safety to meet and identify the three highest-priority improvements for the existing shelter and return estimates within 30–45 days; and (3) creating a council‑appointed committee under the Public Safety Foundation to focus on short‑term fundraising and long‑term planning for a permanent shelter. "We're gonna let Tyler and public safety agree on 3 improvements of the most important things right now that need to be done, and we're gonna do it," the mayor said.

Council members expressed support for the approach. Staff said the new full-time position was included as a midyear start in the draft budget to help balance fiscal impact. Council members also discussed volunteer coordination, the possibility of partnering with neighboring counties or nonprofits for a regional facility, and the need for improved enforcement capacity so officers are not pulled off other duties.

No formal adoption or vote occurred at the study session; council signaled support and staff will include the position and committee-appointment resolution in upcoming budget and agenda materials.