Bentonville officials are considering whether to accept more than $1.1 million in grants from an anonymous donor for the city’s Animal Services department and the Bentonville Public Library.
The Bentonville City Council is scheduled to consider accepting the donations at its Tuesday meeting. Animal Services would receive $722,094, while the library would receive $400,000.
Money would be held for future needs
Shannon Gabbard, manager of Bentonville Animal Services, said the department plans to place its share in a savings account so it can earn interest before the money is used. The funds are intended to support future capacity and facility needs rather than routine operating expenses, according to the department.
“I think at some point we will exceed our abilities to house the animals that we need to house here and to care for all of them and so at that point, we would need to consider expansion.”
Gabbard said the donation could help offset the cost of adding structures if the department’s needs eventually require an expansion. She also said the donor directed its support toward animal care and resources for the community.
The library would divide its proposed donation between near-term needs and longer-term investments. The library’s marketing specialist said $45,000 would be used for immediate needs and continuing programs. The remaining $355,000 would be reserved for future investments in the library.
- $722,094 proposed for Bentonville Animal Services
- $400,000 proposed for the Bentonville Public Library
- $45,000 of the library allocation identified for immediate needs and ongoing programs
The library’s planned uses include books and other resources, with particular attention to young people, according to the department’s representative. Animal Services’ proposed allocation would remain available for future requirements tied to caring for animals and supporting the city’s capacity.
The donations remain subject to City Council action. If accepted, the money would be directed to the two city entities under the proposed allocations, with both departments retaining funds for needs identified over time.
