Bandera council directs staff to pursue interlocal agreement with county after shelter review

The City of Bandera voted unanimously to authorize the acting city administrator and the marshal’s office to negotiate an interlocal agreement with the county to address sheltering for animals after staff reported the city facility did not meet state facility standards.

Multiple residents urged council action. Laura Davenport said a prior $5,000 donation intended to enclose the city shelter "was returned to them because they were told that we were not going to do anything with the animal shelter." Arlene Garra and Elaine Good described spikes in feral cats and ongoing Trap‑Neuter‑Return (TNR) activity, with Good saying volunteers had transported animals for veterinary sterilization and that the program had sterilized hundreds of cats in recent efforts.

City staff and the sheriff’s office representative said the city shelter lacks state‑required facility elements and that properly licensed shelter staff are a county capability. Earl told council "there would have to be some agreement because if the city doesn't have a shelter, then, of course, it's the county's responsibility," and that fees or terms could be part of an interlocal agreement.

Allison, the treasurer, noted the budget includes $4,800 in the animal control department that could be used toward an agreement. Council members asked staff to take talks to the county and return proposed agreement language to council for review; council asked for a report back at the next meeting if possible.

Votes at a glance: Motion to authorize staff to negotiate an interlocal agreement with the county on animal sheltering — Motion: Tony Battle; Second: Jeff Flowers; Vote: 4 yes, 0 no.

Context: Staff said bringing the city shelter into compliance would require substantial expense and specialized training; volunteers currently run a local TNR program and residents reported personally funding surgeries and care for cats.