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Council awards $60,000 from Belterra fund to upgrade Batesville animal‑control facilities
Summary
Volunteers from People Assisting Animals in Need asked the council for $60,000 to expand kennels, install HVAC and laundry hookups at the street‑department animal facility; council approved the Belterra fund request by voice vote.
Batesville — The City Council approved a $60,000 award from the Belterra fund to expand and upgrade the city’s animal‑control facilities after a presentation by volunteers who run the city’s low‑cost spay/neuter and animal‑care services.
“My name is Judy Belmer. I am the president and cofounder of People Assisting Animals in Need,” Judy Belmer told the council, outlining how her volunteer group assists the city by caring for stray and surrendered animals. She said the group has run a low‑cost spay/neuter clinic since 2016 and has supported the city’s facility at the street department for decades.
Belmer asked the council for $60,000 in Belterra funds to add two dog runs (also usable for adult cats), add heating and air conditioning, install a sink and hot water, and add washer/dryer hookups and concrete/fencing improvements. She said recent months have brought a higher intake of animals: for 2024 the group recorded 66 cats (including kittens) and 43 dogs (including puppies), and to date in 2025 the group had handled 14 cats/kittens and 38 dogs/puppies; some animals are reclaimed by owners, some go to foster care or partner rescues.
The Clerk‑Treasurer noted the Belterra fund balance is about $138,000 and described the fund as appropriate for one‑time projects that fall outside the regular budget. “This kind of project makes the most sense for this fund to use,” the Clerk‑Treasurer said, while also noting anticipated additional fund receipts later in the year.
A council member moved to approve the request "as presented" and a second was made; the motion carried on a voice vote. Council members thanked the volunteers for their service to the city.
The award covers facility upgrades and does not itself create a new city animal‑control department; volunteers will continue day‑to‑day animal care and the city will coordinate implementation with its Street Department. The council did not record individual roll calls for the vote; approval was by voice vote.
