A hopeful appeal for assistance evolved into a heated discussion at Odessa City Hall during the week of May 12.

Fix West Texas, a nonprofit based in Midland, had asked the City of Odessa to match a $10,000 donation it received from a national rescue organization. The funding would have gone toward expanding their low-cost spay and neuter voucher program in Odessa — which service founder Karen Patterson said is desperately needed.

Rather than receiving an overwhelming endorsement, the proposal ignited a contentious discussion.

“I just don’t think we need your services,” said Councilman Steven Thompson during the meeting.

Patterson, who has operated the nonprofit for years, said she was taken aback by the public opposition and resistance.

“I really feel like his head is in the sand, and he thinks Odessa Animal Control has it all taken care of,” Patterson said. “But the fact of the matter is—if they did, then this wouldn’t be an issue right now.”

The council ultimately voted 4-1 to reject the funding match.

“We knew there was a chance that they would say no, and we were OK with that,” Patterson said. “We were prepared to raise the funds if they said no, but we were a little blindsided that Councilman Thompson took it upon himself to attack Fix West Texas. The money that he was talking about—that was ‘cash’—was not cash. It was money raised and designated for our new clinic, which is a $1.5 million clinic.”

Not all members of the council were opposed to Patterson’s mission. Councilman At-large Craig Stoker expressed his ongoing backing for the organization and urged the community to participate actively.

I’m once again in favor of this initiative,” Stoker stated. “I understand that not everyone shared this view. For those interested in supporting the Fix West Texas spay and neuter matching campaign, I urge them to visit their website or follow them on social media where they’re collecting contributions. When they reach $10,000, it triggers a four-to-one matching fund.

Since the meeting, Patterson said members of the public have stepped up — including one Midland resident who surprised her with a generous donation.

“I shared the story with him, and his response was, ‘How much did you ask for?’ I replied, ‘$10,000.’ Then he mentioned, ‘I want you to inform City Councilman Thompson that a resident from Midland has written you a check for the $10,000 you required,’ ” stated Patterson.

While the city’s vote was disappointing, Patterson said the support from regular citizens has been more meaningful than any council approval.

“If the City Council supports us or doesn’t support us is neither here nor there,” she said. “We’re really for the people, by the people. And to know that the everyday Joe has us in their hearts and minds and is making the donations — it means so much more to us.”