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Council sets $483,000 budget authority for West Valley Humane Society while seeking alternatives
Summary
Council voted to include $483,000 in the draft budget to address animal sheltering needs but directed staff to return with alternatives and a plan before committing final allocation.
The Nampa City Council approved budget authority of $483,000 for animal shelter services in FY 2026, a sizable increase from the previous year’s $83,000 allocation.
Council members said they were uncomfortable with the unilateral “take it or leave it” posture the city perceived in recent negotiations with West Valley Humane Society. Several councilmembers said they want to explore alternative approaches, including partnerships with private veterinarians, a temporary city-run kennel, or regional arrangements shared with neighboring jurisdictions.
City staff noted the current operating contract with the humane society expired at the end of the week and that staff placed a separate council item for the next regular meeting to approve a short extension of service. Council voted to approve the $483,000 as budget authority only and to direct staff to continue discussions, evaluate alternatives and return with a recommended allocation strategy and contract terms.
Councilman Reynolds said the city needs to “stand up something different” and that the Humane Society’s ask was more than the city could accept without additional detail. Council members also raised questions about the proportion of intakes from Nampa versus other jurisdictions and asked staff to account for address data before finalizing any allocations.
The motion to approve the $483,000 budget authority passed on a 5–1 vote; one councilor voted against.
Staff said the City also has some one-time ARPA interest funds available ($1.3 million in interest earnings) that could cover one-time start-up costs for a city-run or hybrid animal-control solution, but council left that allocation decision to a later date.
