Christ-Yoder to take in Granite Shoals strays
GRANITE SHOALS — Because the city’s own animal shelter is in such "bad shape," Christ-Yoder Animal Shelter/Adoption Center will now keep strays collected in Granite Shoals.
The City Council Monday night approved the agreement with Christ-Yoder, which is located in Buchanan Dam — about 15 miles northwest of Granite Shoals.
Also, the city authorized the appointment of Roxanne Nelson to provide magistrate services for the Burnet County Jail in Burnet.
Meanwhile, the agreement between Christ Yoder and Granite Shoals calls for the animal shelter to provide housing and adoption services for wayward animals picked up in the city.
Under the terms of the agreement, Christ-Yoder would accept animals brought by city police or animal control officers, according to city documents.
Police Chief J.P. Wilson said the agreement will help the city, considering the state of Granite Shoal’s own animal shelter.
"The facility is in bad shape," he said.
He added that a city animal control officer would be on patrol from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.
In other news, Nelson was selected as the associate magistrate judge. She replaces Former Associate Magistrate Judge Gale "Mac" McCurdy, who retired last month to move closer to family.
The associate magistrate judge is the first point of contact for an arrested person brought to the county jail. The magistrate informs suspects of charges brought against them and their right to an attorney, evaluates their mental health, sets jail bonds and officially receives inmates for incarceration.
Unlike city governments, the county cannot directly hire a replacement for McCurdy, officials said.
Technically, Nelson will be an employee of Granite Shoals, since McCurdy was a municipal judge there before his appointment as associate magistrate.
The county will reimburse Granite Shoals for the new associate magistrate’s service, officials said.
As a cost-saving measure, the County Commissioners have recently decided to add the role of indigent defense coordinator to the associate magistrate’s duties. The indigent defense coordinator receives requests from impoverished defendants on public assistance and verifies their eligibility for a court-appointed attorney, officials said.
Before the meeting ended, the council instructed city staff to begin zoning property in newly annexed areas.
City leaders also approved a resolution providing for the adoption of an official seal, logo, flag design and motto.