A proposal by Georgetown City Council Member Rachael Jonrowe to delay the planned demolition of the rodeo arena and show barn in San Gabriel Park failed to receive support Tuesday from her fellow council members, potentially sealing the fate of the arena that has been home to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse for 75 years.

Rodeo supporters have pleaded with council over the past several months to keep the arena and show barn standing. Both structures are slated to be torn down during the third of four planned phases of redevelopment and expansion at San Gabriel Park, although demolition dates have not been set.

Jonrowe’s motion to hold off on demolition until the end of 2019 to allow time to develop alternative options failed to receive a second from another council member, which is necessary before a motion can be put to a vote.

The seven-member council was shorthanded Tuesday as both council members Anna Eby and Steve Fought were absent. Along with Jonrowe, council members Tommy Gonzalez, John Hesser, Valerie Nicholson and Kevin Pitts were in attendance.

Many rodeo supporters have said they did not know of the city’s plan to tear down the arena and show barn until earlier this year. The demolitions were included in the park’s 2015 master plan, which itself was a revision from a citywide parks master plan adopted in 2008. Both plans were adopted following months of public input and discussion.

Jonrowe said she decided to bring her proposal to council after speaking with rodeo supporters and other residents who want the arena to stay put.

“Something in my Texas heart said: ‘Y’all, does this have to be a done deal?’” Jonrowe said, reading a statement from the dais before making her motion.

A number of rodeo supporters addressed the council before Jonrowe’s motion failed to receive support.

Local sports broadcaster Rob Hipp said supporters have spoken with many Georgetown residents and business owners regarding the arena’s future.

“The overwhleming response is they do not want to see the rodeo arena and show barn gone from San Gabriel Park,” Hipp told the council.

Jo Ellen Lyons, who leads a group called Save Georgetown Rodeo and Arena, told council members the arena could likely be updated for less money than it would cost to tear it down. She said the arena could also be an attractive target for corporate sponsorships and could be utilized for a variety of events beyond rodeos.

“We understand that we’re late to the party, but we feel like there has been enough continued involvement to warrant a second look,” Lyons said. “We believe that you can find a solution that's a win-win for all the stakeholders involved, but we need a delay to do that.”

The rodeo arena, located at 415 E. Morrow St., Georgetown, was built in the 1940s and rebuilt in 1950 following its collapse from flood damage. This summer the Posse held its 75th annual rodeo in the arena last month, which attracted more than 8,300 attendees, according to organizers.

In September, Ritter-Botkin Prime Construction of Pflugerville began the second phase of the 2015 master plan’s redevelopment and expansion projects in San Gabriel Park. The $4.2 million construction phase, which includes a variety of additions and a trail extension from the park to the nearby Katy Crossing neighborhood, is expected to finish by next summer, according to the city.