Chino Hills approves joining regional animal rescue JPA, appropriates $162,500 for transition

Chino Hills City Council on Tuesday approved joining the Animal Rescue Center of the Inland Empire (ARC) joint powers authority and authorized $162,500 in the current fiscal year to cover preliminary capital costs and membership processing.

Council approved membership for the city, with membership effective July 1, 2025; Chino Hills will not assume direct animal care and control services until the ARC's permanent facility opens, expected July 1, 2027. The motion to join passed 4-1, with Councilmember Joe casting the lone no vote. The council later voted 5-0 to appoint Mr. Rogers as the city's director on the ARC board and Councilmember Marquez as alternate.

City Manager Montgomery told the council that joining ARC separates operating costs from capital costs and that the city’s first-year operating share is estimated at about $900,000, offset in part by licensing revenue. He said the city’s capital share of the new permanent facility is estimated at $8,500,000, to be paid over 12 years, and that a small near-term capital obligation—roughly $162,000—would be recorded in this fiscal year for site development and equipment such as a truck and equestrian trailer.

Montgomery described the ARC governance structure: member agencies carry “voting shares” that reflect cost allocation and influence. He provided the current shares: Ontario 53%, Chino 20%, Chino Hills 15%, Montclair 8%, and the county portion 4%. Because Ontario holds a majority share, several councilmembers asked whether Ontario’s larger share could dominate future board decisions and whether the ARC’s priorities would align with Chino Hills’ animal-welfare priorities. Montgomery and an ARC representative said member cities are working to align service standards and that the agreement contains higher thresholds for special decisions such as issuance of debt or budget amendments.

Jordan Vilwalk, representing Ontario, and ARC staff answered council questions about meeting schedule, public access to board meetings and how additional agencies or contract partners might be added to offset member costs. Montgomery noted the current plan keeps Inland Valley Humane Society providing services through the transition and that joining now secures a seat at the table while the facility is planned and built.

Following the membership vote, council chose a director and alternate for the ARC board and approved the appropriation of $162,500 for the current fiscal year to cover the city’s early capital costs.

Councilmembers expressed both support for regional collaboration and concern about long-term risk. Montgomery and ARC staff said the member agreement contemplates revisiting the MOU and operational details after a year of data from the consolidated service.

The city will continue to bill and collect for animal services as required until ARC assumes operations in 2027, per the agreement.