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Salem leaders signal support for local TNR program; no formal appropriation taken
Summary
Council members indicated informal backing for using an existing animal-control line item to reimburse Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) costs and to buy minor equipment for the city animal control officer after a volunteer outlined program needs.
Brenda Austin, who identified herself as the city'area TNR coordinator, updated Salem City Council on the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program and asked for city help covering vet bills and other costs.
Austin said the program has handled dozens of cats since mid-June and described limits from low clinic capacity and transport: "...since we started mid June was 37 cats," she told council, and noted some clinics limit add-on surgeries and that local nonprofit Angels for Animals offers reduced rates she is using. She urged the council to create a dedicated donation path on the city website and to consider financial support for spay/neuter and related needs.
Mayor Dickey proposed using part of an existing $8,000 police-line item (previously earmarked for the humane society/animal-control-related expenses but not spent) to support the program. "I would really love if you would support us giving a donation to the TNR program, not a cash handout to them, but a reimbursement donation, where if they had bills from vets they could bring them in up to the $2,000 and we would give it out of that fund and then another thousand dollars to seed a fundraising project," the mayor said.
Council members discussed alternatives, including directing some funds to the city animal-control officer for needed incidentals (lettering for a patrol car, a badge and other small equipment estimated under $200). Multiple council members expressed support during a nonbinding show of hands; the mayor said the remaining balance in the original line item (about $5,000 after potential use) would return to the general fund if unused.
Council did not record a formal appropriation or an ordinance at the meeting. The discussion produced direction to coordinate details with the auditor and city staff so council could formalize any reimbursement process and consider publishing a donation link for a named Salem Cat Fund on the city website.
Why it matters: The city-level TNR work affects public-health and animal-control workloads and could change how clinics and volunteers manage stray and community cats. Any formal use of general-fund money would require later council action.
What was not decided: Council did not vote an appropriation at this meeting. Specific approval amounts, reimbursement procedures, and any formal contract or grant terms were not finalized and remain to be returned to council for formal action.
