Council hears proposal to mitigate feral hogs and javelinas; funding not approved

City staff briefed the council on an RFQ-based proposal to address feral hog and javelina damage across the city. The vendor's base program was presented at approximately $620,000 for containment and mitigation; an optional nonlethal relocation add-on was shown at roughly $220,000.

Council members and staff discussed a multi-pronged approach that includes fencing, homeowner education, targeted trapping or removal, and the use of contraceptives for javelina populations. Several council members said the problem is chronic and citywide and recommended exploring a mix of private-property measures (fencing) and a city-managed program. Staff said there is currently no budget appropriation for the program and suggested consideration in the next fiscal cycle; several council members urged continued work to tighten costs, seek additional bids and pursue potential state or federal grant avenues.

No funding decision was made May 4; staff said it would return with options and tighter cost estimates in future budget discussions.