Citrus Heights council approves pilot lease with Field Haven for local spay/neuter clinic after heated public comment

The Citrus Heights City Council voted Aug. 27 to authorize the city manager to execute and refine a lease with Field Haven Feline Center to operate a low‑cost spay/neuter clinic at 7555 Old Auburn Road.

The resolution authorizes an 18‑month pilot at $1 per month while the nonprofit establishes operations; if the pilot continues the lease would convert to a three‑year term at $2,500 per month. City Manager Ash Feeney told the council the pilot includes limited city‑provided tenant work — an ADA restroom and a polished concrete floor — and that Field Haven will provide 250 spay/neuter vouchers per calendar year and run monthly trap‑neuter‑return training clinics. Feeney said the proposal advances a council strategic objective to enhance animal services while seeking to lower costs the city pays to shelter animals under contract with Bradshaw.

The council meeting drew a large turnout and more than two dozen public speakers. Supporters — volunteers, rescue leaders and residents — described long drives and limited local options for affordable spay/neuter and urged approval. “Having a low‑cost clinic right here in town would be amazing,” said Deborah Buetti, a Citrus Heights resident who volunteers with Field Haven, describing trips of roughly 100 miles round‑trip to Lincoln for surgery.

Field Haven representatives described their scope of work and experience. Dr. Christina Netherwood, a veterinarian who would serve as surgical medical director, said Field Haven focuses on high‑volume feline spay/neuter, microchipping and core vaccinations and may perform certain lifesaving procedures case‑by‑case. “Our mission is to remove financial barriers to critical care, reduce pet overpopulation and keep animals healthy, safe, and in loving homes,” Netherwood said during the presentation.

Opponents — mostly local veterinarians and clinic managers — urged caution and asked the city to delay or amend the agreement. They raised three central concerns: the procurement process (several speakers said no competitive solicitation was issued), the potential economic impact on local clinics, and ambiguous language in the draft lease about permitted services and signage. “If the city’s goal is to provide low‑cost veterinary services to Citrus Heights citizens that would not otherwise come to a veterinary hospital, the lease really needs specific terms,” said Dr. Marcy Lynette of Mercy Pet Hospital, who recommended clear residency verification, voucher controls and limits on clinical scope.

City Attorney Ryan Jones told the council an RFP was not legally required for the proposed lease and that staff had documented community benefits that mitigate gift‑of‑public‑funds concerns. Feeney said staff would continue working with Field Haven and local veterinary stakeholders to refine lease language, and he recommended the pilot approach so the parties could learn and adjust operational details.

After discussion, Councilmember Schaeffer moved to adopt the resolution authorizing the city manager to execute and adjust the lease; the council approved the motion by voice vote.

Next steps outlined by staff include finalizing contract language with input from veterinary practices (signage, scope and voucher verification were named topics), completing minimal tenant improvements and starting operations in early 2026 if construction proceeds on schedule. The council also directed staff to monitor impacts during the pilot and report back if material issues arise.