Reika, Floyd County's K-9 officer. (Floyd County Sheriff's Office photo)
FLOYDADA – The City of Floydada has an officer, but no K-9 unit. Floyd County has a dog and the needed transportation, but no handler. Soon, thanks to an interlocal agreement, the city and county will share their resources.
On Tuesday night the Floydada City Council approved Chief Reuben Ramon’s request to allow Officer Reon Raissez to become a trained K-9 officer. Raissez already takes care of the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department dog, a 2-year-old German Shepard named Reika.
Last week, Floyd County Commissioners approved their side of the proposal from Sheriff Paul Raissez.
Under the plan, Reon Raissez will remain a Floydada city officer, but be on call for the county and region when the need for a K-9 unit arises, such as April’s drug bust within city limits. The county will provide the dog and the previously-outfitted unit that Reika travels in.
Reika will be required to have dual commission with both departments, but will remain property of the county, as will the unit. The city will pay for maintenance and fuel on the unit, as well as items like grooming for the dog.
Both groups approved their side of the plan unanimously.
Other items discussed at Tuesday’s council meeting included the resignation of Floydada Animal Shelter volunteer director Cassandra Garza, who will be moving to the DFW area for work. She will be replaced by Natalie Goodman, a dog groomer who is currently training to be a veterinary technician.
“It’s amazing what you’ve been able to do,” Mayor Bobby Gilliland told Garza after she announced her departure. In her time with the shelter she was able to spay or neuter 3,500 animals and transport 1,500 to new homes.
The council also discussed preliminary 2023 budget plans, with City Manager Darrell Gooch telling the council some hikes appear necessary. “I’m at a loss as to what next year is going to bring,” he told the council before adding he was within $20,000 of a balanced budget.
The plan currently being weighed does include a five percent raise for city employees.
The city will next meet in August.
