Council OKs Police Tech, Weather-Mod Funding; Launches City-Run Pet Adoptions

SAN ANGELO, TX — The San Angelo City Council on Tuesday approved multiple public safety and infrastructure initiatives, including a $309,050 package for police surveillance technology, nearly $3 million in fleet vehicle purchases, and a city-operated animal adoption program. Council also renewed funding for regional weather modification, extended the city’s disaster declaration, and amended the 2025–26 budget.

All major items passed unanimously, with votes of 7–0.

Police Technology and Drone Response Program

Council approved a $309,050 Master Services Agreement with Flock Group Inc. for the purchase and implementation of license plate readers and a drone first-responder system. The contract also includes a TxDOT agreement to install cameras along state rights-of-way inside city limits.

According to city records, the initiative will be funded primarily through three state grants — including two awards from the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority totaling $464,961 and a pending $73,000 grant from the Texas State Homeland Security Program. If the final grant is not awarded, the remaining funds will come from police donations, seizures, or department operating accounts.

Officials described the technology as a tool to combat vehicle theft and enhance response capabilities across San Angelo.

Fleet Vehicle Purchases Approved

Council awarded $2.94 million in purchases for city vehicles, including pickups, police cars, and utility trucks, to multiple vendors.

One vendor, Jim Bass Ford, is local, while six others — including Triple Crown Ford, Sames Bastrop Ford, and Don Hewlett Chevrolet — are based outside the area.

Fleet Services Manager Ryan Kramer said the bids were awarded to all qualifying vendors due to ongoing supply shortages and price volatility in the vehicle market. Purchases will be distributed across departments including police, stormwater, and utilities, using discount pricing and availability criteria.

City-Run Pet Adoptions Begin

City Council approved a new city-operated animal adoption program and a resolution adding related fees to the city’s schedule during Tuesday’s meeting.

Under the new structure, San Angelo Animal Services will handle adoptions directly through a formalized process that includes sterilization, vaccinations, and microchipping. Adoption fees are $150 for adult dogs and puppies, $90 for adult cats, $120 for kittens, $2 for other small animals, and $50 for livestock.

Rescue groups can continue transferring animals under updated application and eligibility requirements. The initiative is designed to reduce the number of unaltered animals within city limits, provide healthy homes for impounded pets, and prevent euthanasia of adoptable animals through proactive placement.

According to the city’s report, the program will operate under newly established adoption and rescue protocols intended to ensure consistency, transparency, and humane outcomes.

You can find more information in the agenda packet by clicking HERE. 

Weather Modification and Disaster Declaration

The city renewed its $40,000 annual membership in the West Texas Weather Modification Association, which conducts regional cloud-seeding to help increase rainfall and support local reservoirs.

Public Works Director Shane Kelton told council the association is a regional partnership among counties and cities across West Texas. “Each entity contributes a certain amount based on their size and participation level,” Kelton said. “It’s not a ton of rain — we’re talking tenths of an inch sometimes — but that’s water we wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Council also voted to extend the city’s disaster declaration for another 90 days following the July 4 flash flooding. City Attorney Brandon Dyson said the extension provides flexibility for recovery actions, including temporary zoning exceptions to assist property owners and contractors rebuilding flood-damaged homes.

Budget Amendments and Personnel Updates

Finance Director Tina Dierschke presented a three-part budget amendment for fiscal year 2025–26. The amendment includes a $100,000 transfer from the Water Fund to support lake patrol operations, converts a part-time Police Department records position into a full-time administrative assistant, and implements the civil service police pay plan with a 5% raise pending final approval of the meet and confer agreement.

According to the city’s report, the transfer helps close a funding gap between the Water Department and Police Lake Unit, while the staffing change strengthens administrative capacity and operational continuity within the department.

Downtown Report and TIRZ Incentives

Downtown San Angelo, Inc. delivered its biannual report highlighting economic progress, continued Main Street accreditation, and upcoming community events including the Downtown Halloween Stroll on Oct. 23.

Council also approved two TIRZ projects totaling $71,108.23 in incentives:

• 16 E. Concho Drive: $9,978.06 for façade and awning improvements at a downtown wine bar.

• 2319 N. Chadbourne Street: $61,130.17 for parking, door, and signage upgrades at a commercial property.

Both were recommended unanimously by the TIRZ Board on Sept. 23.

Appraisal District Nominations and Board Rule Changes

Council voted 6–1 to reappoint Louis Gomez and Bob Reeves to the Tom Green County Appraisal District Board of Directors after public comments urging new leadership and greater transparency.

Council approved a city code amendment allowing alternate members to serve on all city boards and commissions to help prevent quorum issues and delays in city business.

City Attorney Brandon Dyson said the change adds a provision to the general board rules allowing alternates for any board or commission. Previously, only the Zoning Board of Adjustment provided for alternates. Dyson explained that any council member may nominate an alternate, subject to confirmation by the full City Council, but regular vacancies must be filled first before alternates are appointed.

Mayor Tom Thompson thanked Dyson for bringing the item forward, noting the city has struggled with meeting cancellations due to quorum shortages. He said the change will help “move with the speed of business” and prevent delays like the two recent Planning Commission meetings that could not be held for lack of attendance.