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Local TNR group asks Myrtle Creek for $1,500; council approves supplemental payment
Summary
Whisker Warriors requested $1,500 to cover trap-neuter-return appointments; councilors debated scope and budgeting before approving a $1,500 supplemental payment by voice vote. The group said the city-limited program has completed more than 200 surgeries to date and continues to rely on donations and partner clinics.
Megan, a representative of Whisker Warriors, urged the Myrtle Creek City Council on Oct. 21 to approve an additional $1,500 to support the volunteer-run trap-neuter-return (TNR) program for feral cats. She said Whisker Warriors has performed about 208 TNR surgeries since February and estimates roughly 175 cats inside city limits still need services.
The nonprofit representative described partnerships with Saving Grace and the Oregon State University veterinary program, explained fundraising activities including a spaghetti feed that raised about $1,100, and said the group covers fuel and transport costs for residents who cannot afford vet care. "With your support ... people in town are recognizing us," Megan said, asking council for the supplemental payment to cover upcoming clinic appointments.
Councilors asked for clarifications about program scope, previous payments and the budgeted placeholder amount. Council questions focused on whether city funds were limited to cats trapped within Myrtle Creek city limits, how prior disbursements were applied, and whether private pet owners would be covered. Staff and the presenter confirmed the city-provided funds are restricted to feral cats trapped within city limits and that one prior $1,500 payment had already been dispersed from a budget line where council previously set a $6,000 placeholder for the program.
Several councilors endorsed the program’s work but expressed concern about recurring requests. One councilor said it was important to encourage neighboring cities to participate, noting Whisker Warriors receives calls from nearby towns but that the city’s funds are restricted to local cats. Another member suggested a quarterly payment schedule or a cap to distribute the city’s support over time; the presenter said increased private donations and sponsorships are beginning to reduce reliance on city funds.
After discussion, Councilor (speaker 6) moved to approve another $1,500. The motion passed by voice vote; individual roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript. Following the vote, Megan offered to return for a future briefing with Saving Grace to explain their side of TNR program operations.
Why it matters: Council funding supplements an active volunteer program that the presenter said reduces nuisance behavior, improves animal health through vaccinations and spay/neuter procedures, and reduces pressure on local shelters. Council members flagged long-term funding and interjurisdictional coordination as follow-ups.
Next steps: The council approved the supplemental payment and asked staff to continue tracking program impacts and budget implications. Whisker Warriors said it would report back to the council in future meetings on outcomes and fundraising progress.
