Hays council weighs interlocal code-enforcement option as residents press for action

Chair opened the discussion after residents described chronic problems with junk cars, overgrown yards and other possible fire hazards and asked the council to consider an interlocal agreement with the county to obtain enforcement authority. "It would not be a combination," the Chair said as the town’s ordinances were sent for review and the city awaited the county legal department's analysis.

Residents said lack of enforcement has left some neighborhoods with reduced property values and increased safety risk. One commenter argued the main issue is enforcement, not whether ordinances exist, saying the city historically adopted codes but lacked an enforcement officer or local court to act on violations. The Chair urged neighbors to use community cleanups and available city assistance while legal negotiations proceed and said any interlocal change would require a council vote.

The transcript shows questions about whether Hays County codes would replace city codes or be applied in addition to them; council members said the city attorney recommended seeking an interlocal arrangement for enforcement, and that the council would consider costs and specific services once the county outlines what it can provide. The discussion concluded with a reminder that formal decisions rest with the council and that residents should expect further information after legal review.