Item No. 15.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: JUDDY MONTENEGRO, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
DATE: AUGUST 11, 2026
DISCUSSION REGARDING ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR A CAT SPAY AND NEUTER SUBJECT: REBATE PROGRAM
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will discuss and consider approving an additional $2,500 in funding for the Cat Spay and Neuter Rebate Program. The program was launched in March 2026 and closed at the end of June 2026. The program offered residents the opportunity to receive a rebate of up to $150 to spay or neuter their cat, with a limit of two cats per household.
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That the City Council:
Discuss and consider the approval of an additional $2,500 for the City's Cat Spay and Neuter Rebate Program.
BACKGROUND
At the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 City Budget Workshop held on June 3, 2025, Council Member Pemberton requested that explore the creation of a Cat Spay and Neuter Rebate program to assist residents with veterinary costs associated with these procedures.
On September 9, 2025, during a regularly scheduled City Council meeting, staff provided a report on similar programs offered by surrounding cities, and asked for the Council's direction on the creation of a City Cat Spay and Neuter Program, which recommended a one-time appropriation of up to $20,000 from the General Fund - Fund Balance. Following staff's presentation, the City Council took no action on the item and requested that staff evaluate the programs SEAACA is currently offering to the public.
At the January 27, 2026 City Council meeting, City staff provided an update regarding SEAACA's Cat and Spay Neuter programs, as well as its financial position to continue expanding such programs. Based on the information presented, staff's recommendation was to request that SEAACA make these types programs an ongoing priority by allocating monies every budget since it has available funds to do so, and these types of programs fall under its purview. The City also provides a significant financial contribution annually to SEAACA that could be used to fund spay and neuter programs.
The City Council voted to approve a one time allocation of $10,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for a one-time Cat Spay and Neuter Rebate Program. The program offered residents up to $150 to go towards the spay and neuter of a cat, with a limit of two cats per household.
ANALYSIS
The City launched the Cat Spay and Neuter Program from March 2026 through the end of June 2026. During this time, the City received a total of 27 applications and out of those, 23 were approved. The total amount of funds used for the program was $2,572.00. City staff handled the marketing for the program, as well as the in -take, review, and processing of the applications. This accounted for approximately $1,600 in staff time costs to manage the program.
At the July 28, 2026 City Council meeting, Council Member Pemberton requested that the Council discuss and consider the approval of an additional $2,500 to re -open this program for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. If the Council approves the additional $2,500 for the Cat Spay and Neuter Program, applications will once again be accepted on a first -come, first -serve basis and until program funding is expended. Residents will be eligible to receive a rebate of up to $150 to spay or neuter their cat, with a limit of two cats per household. Applications will be available in hard copy at the City Manager's Office, as well as online on the City's website. Staff will also work with the City's Public Information Division to advertise the program and re -launch it effective immediately.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action will result in an appropriation of up to $2,500 from the General Fund — Fund Balance to General Fund City Council Division, Account No. 10-4-1110-0140.