Council pauses on county's animal-shelter feasibility study request, refers to advisory board

Caldwell County asked the City of Lockhart to share the cost of a feasibility study proposed by Broadus & Associates to evaluate options to expand the joint animal shelter or build a new facility.

Broadus & Associates presented an hourly not-to-exceed proposal of $162,288 to be completed in three phases over six months: data gathering (staff interviews and steering committee workshops), development of feasibility options (expand on-site, satellite sites, partnerships or new facility), and preparation of a final report with recommendations. Broadus representatives said the figure was a not-to-exceed estimate and that prior work in Hays County came in under projected time and cost.

City staff and council members discussed the study’s scope, the shelter lease with Caldwell County (which expires in 2029), and current local upgrades that are improving facility conditions but not adding kennel capacity. Broadus noted the shelter’s stated capacity and usage: 56 dog spaces and 24 cat spaces with an average intake of about 180 animals per month. County representatives intend the study to identify a long-term strategy: continue partnership with the Lockhart shelter, build a county facility, or partner with nonprofits.

Council members raised questions about price, the procurement approach (professional services generally exempt from competitive bidding but an RFQ could be solicited), and whether the city should pursue a joint meeting with the county before committing funds. Several council members said they wanted the city’s shelter advisory board involved and recommended referral for that board’s input. The city manager confirmed the proposal was initiated by the county and that the county would own the study deliverables; the county has asked the city to share in the cost.

The council’s direction to staff was to refer the request to the Bridal Shelter Advisory Board for study and recommendation; no final financial commitment was made at the meeting. Broadus representatives offered to revise the scope and fee if the city requested a narrower scope tied to Lockhart’s specific circumstances. City staff noted the advisory board has a meeting later in the week and could consider the item.

Speakers included James DeMeritt and Alex Gonzales of Broadus & Associates, City Manager Joseph Resendez, and several council members. Broadus stressed the study’s role as an informational feasibility assessment to guide owner decisions and said prior engagements had produced actionable recommendations for other counties.