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Weslaco hears animal‑control intake, outcome and funding data; staff to return with fee recommendations
Summary
Animal‑services staff reported receiving 2,021 animals from partner jurisdictions (Oct–June), cited a range of monthly save rates and listed contract payments from partner cities; commissioners directed staff to return with recommended fee changes and contract language at the next meeting.
Animal‑services staff presented intake and outcome data on Tuesday and asked the commission to consider fee and contract changes with partner jurisdictions.
Letty Lopez, who led the presentation, said Weslaco received 2,021 animals from partner entities between October and June; roughly 78% of intake were strays and about a quarter were owner surrenders. Lopez provided monthly "save rates" that ranged from 33% to 69% in the period cited, with June reported at about 56%.
Lopez also listed contract revenue from partner cities and towns (examples in the handout): Mercedes $75,885; Alamo $88,600; San Juan $66,955; plus smaller amounts from other entities. She said additional reclaim fees, donations and other revenue brought the city's total receipts from those streams to about $100,960 for the year presented and reclaim revenue of roughly $13,907.
Commissioners expressed concern about shelter capacity and the regional nature of animal intake, noting that some neighboring jurisdictions maintain their own holding facilities yet still route animals to Weslaco. The mayor said the issue is regional but emphasized the city must first address its own capacity and stewardship.
Lopez proposed educating partner cities on microchipping and applying for grants for microchip scanners, and she presented a sample rehoming fee ordinance (citing Corpus Christi as an existing example). "One of my proposed ideas... is a city ordinance on Corpus Christi, which contains that it's required to have your animal microchip," she said.
The commission directed staff to return at the next workshop with specific fee recommendations and contract language so the commission can consider changes incrementally (for example, focusing first on a precinct or on the city alone before altering interlocal coverage).
No formal action was taken at the workshop; staff will bring recommended fees and contract edits to the next meeting for potential action.
