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Lee County extends spay/neuter funding to Hobbs with one‑year, use‑only condition
Summary
The commission approved a one‑year extension to an MOA with the City of Hobbs to allow continued use of $184,410 in discretionary funds for a spay/neuter program, but required the money be used strictly for spay/neuter services after concerns from the original donor.
The Lee County Board of Commissioners voted to extend an expiring memorandum of agreement with the City of Hobbs that governs remaining discretionary funding for a spay/neuter program.
County staff said $250,000 was originally appropriated in December 2022 from Commissioner Rebecca Long’s discretionary funds; about $184,410 remains available. Commissioner discussion focused on donor intent after Long expressed — through a commissioner — that funds should be used solely for spay and neuter services and not for other purposes. City and animal‑services officials requested permission to use a portion of the balance for shade structures at the animal center, arguing facility accommodations support animal welfare, while county representatives pressed to honor the original purpose.
Captain Marina Barrientus and the Hawes Animal Adoption Center (HACC) manager reported on program activity and spending: HACC said roughly $65,589 has been spent and the facility performed about 307 spay/neuter procedures and vaccinations in the first quarter of the year. HACC and veterinary contractors said operating costs currently run about $9,000–$10,000 per month and the center is expanding surgery days to meet demand.
After debate, a motion passed to extend the MOA for one year on the explicit condition that the county’s discretionary funds be used strictly for spay and neuter services; county discretionary funds unrelated to the Rebecca Long allocation will be used to support shade‑structure work and other facilities improvements as appropriate.
What’s next: staff will draft the amended MOA language reflecting the one‑year extension and the use restriction, and will coordinate with the City of Hobbs and HACC on spending and reporting.
