Commissioners Court makes progress on long-term campaign

The Hays County Commissioners Court has passed two agenda items related to ongoing projects, one regarding the county’s Mental Health Task Force, the other involving the county’s shortage of animal shelters.

At the Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday, March 22, a unanimous vote awarded a contract for the Hays County Mental Health Needs Assessment to Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. A separate agenda item authorized a Professional Services Agreement to start the Animal Shelter and Animal Services Feasibility Study.

Mental Health Task Force

Hays County’s Mental Health Task Force was established over a year ago.

“It became clear very quickly that the first step would be a Needs Assessment,” a statement from Judge Ruben Becerra’s office said. “Basically, [this is] a study to determine the scope of mental health services that are needed in Hays County.”

After reading and scoring a number of submitted applications, Judge Becerra and a team of evaluators decided the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute was the best qualified to conduct the Needs Assessment.

“Our ultimate goal is to create a holistic Center for Mental Wellness, Education and Research for the residents of Hays County, and today, we’ve taken the next step [towards that].” said Judge Becerra.

The Commissioners Court vote authorized county staff and general counsel to negotiate the contract, which will be brought back to court for final approval.

Animal Shelters and Services

Approximately three years ago, volunteer Animal Advocacy Advisor Sharri Boyett was brought on to advise the county on animal programs and protection. Shortly thereafter, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the proper handling of pets dropped off at the only shelter in the county, and it became almost impossible to humanely shelter animals.

The court’s vote on this issue authorized Judge Becerra to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Team Shelter USA to conduct a feasibility study for a centralized animal shelter for Hays County.

“As early as this summer, we should have a completed study on what programs and shelters should be in place to adequately care for our residents’ pets.” Judge Becerra said.

Judge Becerra will call for public input and send out updates as available on both the Mental Needs Assessment and the Animal Shelter Feasibility Study. For more information on the Commissioners Court, visit hayscountytx.com/commissioners-court.