Brittany Kelley
SAN MARCOS — The Hays County Commissioners Court approved an interlocal agreement (ILA) with the cities of Kyle and Buda for an animal facility at its Jan. 6 meeting.
According to agenda documents, the proposed writing consists of an agreement between the government agencies to construct an animal shelter, with construction led by Kyle. All three municipalities will fund the “first-class animal shelter,” with the county supporting the majority of the fiscal costs at 64.5%, 2.8% from Buda and Kyle taking on the remaining 32.7%, stated agenda documents.
Prior to item consideration, Prevent A Litter (PALS) president Lauren Foye spoke in favor of the agreement.
“As we begin the new year, it is also the last year the county has a contract with the [San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter (SMRAS)]. Time is running out and this is a concrete plan for almost all the county. It is a step in the right direction. As being part of the design and planning of the new animal Kyle facility, I can say it’s not only going to be beautifully designed, but done with thought and consideration for the animal health and security for those that will be staying there,” said Foye.
She added that there will be program areas and room for expansion.
Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe began the discussion by noting that, previously, at its Dec. 15 meeting, the dais chose to delay the vote in order to allow the new council member and mayor of Kyle to participate in the action, since they would not be sworn in until Dec. 23.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra noted that Kyle City Council would not be discussing the item at its Jan. 6 meeting and suggested waiting to move forward with approval, since the city is taking the lead.
Because the agreement has been negotiated over several months, commissioner Walt Smith urged moving forward, rather delaying, as there is an October 2026 timeline that needs to be met: “We are at the point, now, where two weeks in design is a big gap, especially if we want something by the end of the year.”
Also comfortable with moving forward was commissioner Morgan Hammer, but she requested that Kyle deliver its portion of the money prior to county funding.
“We have worked for a really long time and we know that the service is needed. Hopefully, we can come together and work on this,” concluded Ingalsbe.
The ILA passed 4-1, with Becerra dissenting.
The judge took to social media later that day to explain his vote, stating that the new Kyle City Council, which swore in four new members throughout the election season, deserved time to review and, if needed, shape the agreement to reflect their leadership.
“This brief pause [would] create no meaningful delay. It simply allows the City of Kyle to place its fingerprint on an agreement it will lead. Any change, even a single sentence, would require the ILA to return for reconsideration anyway,” said Becerra. “Finally, the current ILA does not provide coverage for the west side of Hays County. As a countywide representative, it is my responsibility to ensure that the steps we take serve every resident. As written, this agreement does not yet meet that standard.”
The commissioners will meet next Tuesday, Jan. 20.
