Council approves $3,500 supplemental for Delta Dogs; 2025 $5,000 funding confirmed

The Helena-West Helena City Council on Tuesday approved a $3,500 supplemental payment to Delta Dogs to help cover increased costs for a three-day mobile spay/neuter clinic scheduled June 17–19, and confirmed that a previously approved $5,000 appropriation for 2025 will be provided to the nonprofit.

The vote followed extended public comment from a Delta Dogs representative, who said the organization had expected a $5,000 payment approved in July 2024 that had not been delivered and that clinic costs for the June event had risen from an initial estimate of $5,000 to about $8,500. “We do anywhere between 90 and a 100 animals,” Delta Dogs’ speaker told the council, urging the city to provide supplemental funds so the clinic could be free to pet owners.

The nut graf: Council members debated whether to “pull forward” the 2024 appropriation Delta Dogs said was approved but not paid. An initial motion to release both the unpaid 2024 $5,000 and add $3,500 for 2025 was made on the floor but did not secure the necessary support. Later, councilors moved and approved a standalone $3,500 supplemental for 2025.

In discussion, some council members said they had no objection to honoring the 2025 appropriation but expressed concern about city finances and about paying on an earlier (2024) appropriation because the contract paperwork had only just been completed in 2025. Delta Dogs’ representative said the group booked the clinic believing the 2024 money would arrive and that the organization would not profit from the event; she also described additional outreach and volunteer plans, including using Bissell Foundation coupons and recruiting teens for community-service hours.

The council’s final action: approve $3,500 supplemental for Delta Dogs (to supplement the $5,000 already approved for 2025). Council clerks confirmed the previously approved 2025 $5,000 will be provided; the motion to additionally release the unpaid 2024 $5,000 was discussed earlier in the meeting and did not pass. The Delta Dogs representative said she still needs the funds within days to cover clinic expenses.

The council did not adopt any ordinance or change to city policy during the discussion; the item was handled as an appropriations/motion matter on the council floor.

The council discussion included concerns about prior mobile clinics, how many animals those clinics served, and whether the city’s contract process or timing contributed to the missed payment. The Delta Dogs speaker described past clinic activity and partnerships (including a mobile unit from Eureka Springs and use of BISSELL coupons) and requested an increase to $10,000 for 2026 planning, saying costs keep rising.

What’s next: The supplemental funds approved at this meeting are intended to cover the immediate clinic; Delta Dogs and city staff will complete any outstanding contract or paperwork needed to release the payments.