Council approves $3,000 from PACE budget for second mobile spay/neuter clinic for residents

The Cathedral City council on March 26 approved using $3,000 from the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) fiscal‑year 2024–25 events budget to fund a second mobile spay-and-neuter clinic for small animals at the Cathedral City Library.

John Carrillo, presenting the item for PACE, said the mobile clinic would repeat an October 2024 event that spayed and neutered 21 animals and was described as well received by residents. The proposed event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23 at the Cathedral City Library and would offer 30 surgeries for dogs and cats under 20 pounds through a mobile clinic, free to Cathedral City residents who provide proof of residency. The Riverside County Department of Animal Services will provide the mobile service; animals will be microchipped if not already.

Carrillo said the Riverside County supervisor’s office is supporting additional procedures for animals over 20 pounds at the county animal campus, and he and staff clarified the county supervisor’s funding arrangements during council questions. PACE requested $3,000 from its events line to fund the mobile clinic and staff noted the commission’s budget is a general fund line item. PACE approved the request at its March meeting and forwarded it to council for funding approval.

Council member Gutierrez and Mayor Pro Tem Gregory noted the program’s value to the community and asked that future requests consider whether other city general fund lines might support recurring animal-safety programs; staff confirmed PACE funds are within the general fund. A written public comment read at the meeting echoed that view.

Councilmember Gregory moved to approve the $3,000 expenditure from the PACE events budget; Council member Lam seconded. The motion carried unanimously.