Response to Council Member Derrick, provided by Greg Carr (Director of Neighborhood Enhancement):
1. The money we are requesting at this time was apportioned from CIP for all city projects. There is money left in the line item, but it would be for other city projects. I do not know that that amount is. The shelter budget process starts with the City of San Marcos. Once we determine (and gets approved through our budget process) what upgrades, positions or programs are going to be increased, our partners share in those costs. So it really all starts with us.
Response to Council Member Derrick, provided by Communications Team:
2. We have already begun notifying the community of the upcoming Clear the Shelters event scheduled for September 18. We’ve created an event page on Facebook to increase our reach on social media and updated the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter cover photo to promote the event date. At staff’s request, we have not begun to advertise specific adoption specials related to the event. Instead, we have at least four posts on both Facebook and Instagram planned over the next two weeks referencing the Clear the Shelters date and emphasizing the importance of clearing space year-round through responsible pet ownership, notifying the community of upcoming construction and repairs at the shelter, and encouraging the use of microchipping services. Staff has given us the green light to promote the Clear the Shelters adoption special beginning September 15. At that time, we will send out a press release and at least one specific social post on both platforms. We will also place flyers in some public-facing City facilities. Then, on the day of the event, we will update the event page with photos and videos, utilize Facebook Live, and post to Facebook and Instagram stories.