Canyon County has received multiple inquiries about an internet post made by the West Valley Humane Society about WVHS’s budgetary woes. The West Valley Humane Society is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit entity that leases a building for its animal shelter from the County. Canyon County does not have direct oversight over its daily operations.
Canyon County has continually supported WVHS as a community partner and tenant. Most recently, Canyon County completed a roof upgrade to the WVHS building. This project included replacing the previous canvas roof with a wood-framed structure, adding insulation, and installing floor heating within the facility. These enhancements created a controlled temperature environment, facilitating easier temperature regulation to keep the area cool in the summer and warm in the winter, thus significantly benefiting both staff and animals. The County directly paid $850,000 allocated from ARPA. That project is scheduled to be dedicated on Tuesday.
In addition to providing the roof upgrade, the County contributes to the WVHS through a monthly payment made through the County’s lease and service agreement with WVHS that is negotiated annually. WVHS is also financially supported by the cities of Nampa, Caldwell, and Middleton through contractual agreements. The County believes having an independent, non-profit animal shelter is an asset to the citizens of the County and, along with our municipal partners, will review WVHS’s budgetary requests through our annual contract renewal process. Allegations of wrongdoing with WVHS monies should be reported directly to law enforcement and are not a matter the County will comment on.
For more information, please contact the Director of Constituent Services, Aaron Williams at (208) 614-5011.