County votes down request to generate better numbers of potential remodel costs

(Seguin) — The future of animal services in Guadalupe County remains unclear after county commissioners voted 3-2 against spending an additional $5,000 to secure more detailed estimates on expanding the county’s current animal control facility which is currently located next to the Guadalupe County Jail.

Voting against the additional funding were Commissioners Jacqueline Ott, Jim Wolverton and Stephen Germann. Although it was a nay, commissioners such as Ott say the vote was only based on a step in the process and not a reflection of her support of finding a more sustainable solution. Supporting the measure were County Judge Kyle Kutscher and Commissioner Drew Engelke.

Despite the vote, county leaders say the possibility of expanding the existing facility is still being considered alongside other options, including its newest one — a potential regional partnership with the City of Cibolo.

This latest option with Cibolo plus a full discussion on the future of the program was held during Tuesday’s meeting of the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court.

Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray told commissioners that he was asked by Wolverton to explore partnerships with area cities.

“Somewhat indicative of what was done in the past where the county contracted with the cities — Seguin and Schertz didn’t have any interest in moving in that direction, just through an initial phone call conversation. But Cibolo did show some interest,” said Ray.

Ray says Cibolo is already planning a new $7 million animal facility with roughly 30 kennels. He says informal discussions have included what it would look like if Guadalupe County partnered with the city to potentially double that capacity.

“If we joined in a partnership with the city of Cibolo and we could maybe double their kennel space, that would be 60 kennels, which would be significantly bigger than what we’re looking at,” said Ray.

He added that the county’s current 33-kennel facility could still be used for the animal control side of things and for any overflow or quarantine situations.

County officials also acknowledged the growing operational challenges facing the county shelter, especially after the departure of volunteer groups and other supporters — following disagreements over shelter operations.

Meanwhile, no matter in what direction the county heads, Ray says working toward a solution is very important. He says the county is currently struggling to maintain adoption and fostering efforts and maintains his belief that the sheriff’s office should shift its focus primarily toward animal control enforcement.

“Right now, just to be frank, our euthanasia rate’s at about 25 percent,” said Ray. “The city of Cibolo’s is about 3 percent to 5 percent. And it’s because of the fostering and adoption and volunteer program and all the things that they have going on. I believe it’s damaged to the point that we’re not going to be able to overcome it. So, the best thing I think is for the county to get out of the business of running a shelter.”

Judge Kutscher says regardless of the final direction, animal control enforcement responsibilities will remain with the county.

“The sheriff’s department operates animal control. It’s an animal control and a stray animal operation,” said Kutscher. “That doesn’t go away in the future. It probably becomes more.”

Kutscher agreed with the sheriff and said that the county may need to consider separating animal control enforcement from shelter operations through partnerships or contracted management. He says at this point, every avenue needs to be considered.

Also brought up in the discussion was one of the county’s original options – the option of a partnership with the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area. Ray says the organization’s executive director, Sarah Hammond, has already expressed willingness to discuss managing a county facility if Guadalupe County ultimately moves forward with expansion plans.

Meanwhile, Kutscher cautioned residents that no immediate solution exists and that improvements — “whether through construction, contracts or partnerships — could take months or even years to fully implement.”

“But I think as long as we’re making progress and moving forward, advancing the conversation, I think we’re doing the right thing,” said Kutscher.

Officials say they hope that the city of Cibolo will vote to officially begin the exploration of a partnership with the county. That official action could come as early as this week or during a future meeting of the Cibolo City Council.