Paradise? Not yet for KHS

We, the five Kootenai Humane Society volunteers who were forced to resign over a No Kill Policy, want to strongly debunk any ideas or insinuation that we do not support a no kill shelter. It was that effort which perhaps caused our demise.

We objected personally to Debbie Jeffries (Executive Director/shelter manager) concerning a dog that was scheduled to be killed. A volunteer who also felt strongly about that dog wrote a letter to the Press condemning the killing of this dog. It was only the outcry from the public that saved the dog. Shortly after that the "No Kill Policy" was put out for volunteer signatures, coincidence or planned? This is the clause that caused our refusal: "I understand that I can be terminated as a volunteer at KHS if I perform any acts of the Zero Tolerance policy including public rumor mongering and untruths in regards to the care of the animals at KHS." Nothing we said has been untrue and if the letter was 'public rumor mongering' so be it. A dog would have been killed that was a good dog and was adopted. We attempted a meeting to discuss our differences and were told no, we submitted an alternative form and received no reply.

Several weeks ago we asked in writing (according to their by-laws) for all information reported on their tax forms under "Contract Labor" for the year 2012 and 'Fundraising' for 2009. Sally Ellingsen, treasurer for KHS responded and a meeting was set with her and, at her request, Debbie Jeffries, whom she said had all the tax information on her computer.

Sally opened the meeting stating the only things to be discussed were the subjects we requested. We were told Contract Labor consisted of two items: the fee paid to the part-time veterinarian and the costs of their accounting services. We would be given no hard copies due to privacy and personnel information. We specifically asked if those were the only two items in that account and were told "yes." The amount shown on their 990 Tax Form is $62,810. On the 2012 KHS Audited Financial Statement it shows Professional Fees $7,250 and Vet Fees $1,517 that are separate from "contract labor." Now on their 2014 Budget Summary on the KHS website it shows no professional fees nor vet fees listed separately. How does one understand their accounting? If the accounting fees are in "contract labor," why is there 0 fees for "development" and "thrift stores" when they have payroll and sales tax? Your total income was over $1 million in 2012. Why do you have a line of credit loan of $82,986?

The next item was "Fundraising Supplies" for the year 2009. We were told the funds were used for newsletters, general donation appeals, Post Falls Thrift store start up and fundraising events. Again we were refused hard copies due to vendor information. The amount shown on their 990 Tax Form is $72,387.

The meeting evolved into contention when we were accused that previously published information about the 8 percent spent on "direct animal care" was "blatantly false" and "we were bullying them." The 8 percent referred to comes from their 2011 tax form when their total revenue was $829,577 and $63,626. (8 percent) was spent on 'direct animal care.' In 2012 total revenue was $1,002,580 and $52,316 (5 percent) was spent on 'direct animal care' per their numbers on their tax form. This means for each dollar donated 5(8) cents is used for 'direct animal care' and 95 (92) cents is used for salaries, utilities, fundraising, etc. The accusation that we reported false information was because Ellingsen and Jeffries said ALL monies are used for animal care. Now Mr. Smith says 71 percent is spent on animal care.

Off the stated talking points the subject of their statement in all donation appeals is KHS 'receives no city, county, state or government funding.' KHS has a contract with the city of CDA for the sheltering of animals picked up by animal control. They are paid $85 for each dog, $40 per cat, rabbit or rodent and after five days if unclaimed becomes the property of KHS. The treasurer and director were adamant in stating this was not 'funding' because they never knew how much they would receive each month. We pointed out monies that come from the city was funding, they replied it came from a levy and was not funding. To us that is tax monies used for animal control and paid to KHS, 'city funds!' Let's inform Mr. Smith that city funds come from the taxpayer.

We saw a rude and condescending attitude. Accusations that are unfounded were hurled at us. We were blamed for their loss of donations. We say to them to look to yourselves and the disregard you have shown to us and the public. Mr. Smith states having "the right people on the bus" was most important for success. We can't prove we were targets but when things don't smell right, something is rotten. Apparently we were not the right people. We made the mistake of thinking we were assets and in using our voice to protect animals and offering the Board an outside opinion it would welcome. When he told us he was driving the bus and to get off we should have taken him at his word because he is the perpetual driver. It is his way or road rash when you are thrown off the bus.

The article by Mr. Smith was touching and glowing with praise. It was nice to finally see a recognition of volunteers. With 175 active volunteers, why does KHS need so many salaried employees? You also have Sheriff Labor workers daily. There have been volunteers ready to assist at the front counter and with adoptions but were driven away by rudeness. Your exemplary staff has made uncomplimentary comments about the Board so maybe your paradise hasn't been achieved just yet.

The volunteer manager was praised for increasing the volunteer core to 175 active volunteers. KHS has information on the United Way website that states 335 active volunteers. However, it is either a loss of 160 volunteers or another example of funny numbers issued by KHS.

Who does this Board answer to since they eliminated memberships in 2009 and reduced the minimum number of Board members to three? A board that will not welcome public input in a community-funded shelter and thinks of themselves as "owners" of KHS might want to consider a change. You asked for possible new board members. We five are saying "yes," we'd love to.

Signed by Sue Wombolt, Shinko Whitehorn, Sheri Page, Cecilla Nolthenius and Mary Kit Lynam