A Cambridge City councilor says he’ll give $1,000 toward spaying and neutering stray cats that are irritating residents.
The announcement came during a special Thursday, Oct. 23, council meeting that was scheduled to approve the town’s 2026 budget.
Cat colony
At its November meeting, council plans to discuss creating a line item in its annual budget to accept donations toward addressing stray animals.
It would likely work similarly as an existing donation fund toward care for Cambridge City Police Department’s K-9 officer Jessie.
Church Street residents have addressed councilors at recent meetings to seek solutions for addressing many stray cats residing just south of downtown, saying they are causing sanitation and quality of life concerns.
Councilor Gary Cole said Dr. Stacy Kostiuk, who is a veterinarian for Richmond-based Animal Care Alliance, has been very helpful in providing information.
Based on the information Cole shared with Kostiuk, she agreed that trap-neuter-release is the colony’s best option. She said the key to stabilizing a colony is getting a minimum of 75% sterilized. She recommended serving the entire colony in one day if possible because cats can become trap savvy and harder to catch the second time, although some could be taken on ACA’s normal surgery days.
Kostiuk estimated the cost at approximately $60 per cat when serving a large group.
In addition to sterilization, cats would receive flea treatments and vaccinations for rabies, distemper, viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Minor medical issues would be addressed, and if ill cats have dim recovery prospects, they would be humanely euthanized.
Cole said he would personally give $1,000 to get the fund started, and he hopes additional residents will contribute to help the neighborhood’s human and animal residents. Councilor Mike Amick said he’ll make a gift too.
Council’s next meeting will be 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, at town hall, 127 N. Foote St. The public is invited.
Budget
Council unanimously approved the budget, which has been discussed at previous meetings.
Council President Jim McLane said Cambridge City is just like all other communities trying to reduce and monitor expenses.
During the council’s Oct. 13 public hearing on the budget, attorney Bob Bever explained how property tax caps decrease funds the town can collect to provide services. Without tax caps, that number would be $849,040 instead of $559,451.
“It’s going to be tight because of (Indiana) Senate Bill 1, more than anything,” McLane said.
The bill is expected to lower homestead property tax bills for two-thirds of Hoosier homeowners starting in 2026.
“It’s not ideal, but it’s the hand we were dealt,” McLane said.
One notable expense has been approximately $25,000 each year for the last two years for state-required audits because the town has received grants toward large projects.
A version of this article appeared in the October 29 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.