Downey approves $10,000 six‑month spay/neuter reimbursement pilot after debate over SIECA reserves

The Downey City Council approved a one‑time $10,000 pilot reimbursement program to help residents spay and neuter cats, allocating funds for six months and capping reimbursements at $150 per procedure and two cats per household. The measure passed after discussion about whether the joint powers agency that administers animal control services (referred to in staff materials as SIECA/Sciacca/SIAC in the staff report) should instead use its reported reserves to expand services.

Judy Montenegro presented staff findings: recent partnership clinics performed 107 surgeries between October and December, with 20 patients from Downey; last fiscal‑year funding from the city totaled $1,100,000 for the agency; staff reported the agency’s fund balance was approximately $11,000,000 as of June 30, 2025 and estimated near $15,000,000 by December 31, 2025. Based on the agency’s reserves, staff recommended the agency prioritize funding spay and neuter programming from its own funds before the city commits additional dollars, but said staff could work with the agency’s new executive director to prioritize the service.

Councilmembers split on timing and fiscal prudence. Council Member Pemberton pushed for immediate assistance for residents who cannot afford veterinary fees and proposed the pilot ($10,000 for six months, $150 per cat, two‑cat limit). Council Member Sosa and others noted SIECA’s reported reserves and recommended asking the agency to spend its funds first before committing city money. Council Member Pemberton moved the pilot; Council Member Trujillo seconded. The motion carried with Council Member Sosa voting no and the Mayor Pro Tem absent (vote tally recorded as yes 3, no 1, absent 1).

Next steps: staff will implement the reimbursement program for eligible Downey residents upon presentation of receipts from licensed veterinarians and will monitor demand during the six‑month pilot; council indicated staff will revisit the issue in upcoming budget discussions for FY 26‑27 if additional city funds are needed.