Council Confirms Property Conveyance in Close Vote
NAMPA, Idaho – The Nampa City Council has officially voted to transfer the Ford Idaho Center to the College of Western Idaho (CWI), concluding a months-long debate over the fate of the 100-acre property. The decision, reaffirmed in a 3-3 tie broken by Mayor Debbie Kling, follows earlier council action and public hearings marked by division and legal scrutiny.
Background and Legal Review
Although the council had previously voted in October to approve the transfer, a second vote was required due to title-related issues and allegations of open meeting law violations. In November, the council acknowledged possible procedural missteps and opted to “cure” them through a new public hearing and vote.
This latest vote mirrored the previous breakdown. Councilmembers Victor Rodriguez, Randy Haverfield, and Sebastian Griffin opposed the conveyance, while Mayor Kling cast the deciding vote in favor.
Public Debate and Incoming Leadership
Monday’s public hearing marked the first formal discussion of the issue since the November election, which brought changes to the city’s leadership. Mayor-elect Rick Hogaboam and councilmember-elect Debbie Skaug are scheduled to take office in January. Some residents and local voices urged the council to postpone the decision until the new officials were sworn in.
Despite those calls, Mayor Kling argued that the council’s composition would not meaningfully change the outcome, stating, “The votes wouldn’t change… It’s the same group sitting here.”
Community Reactions: Divided but Decisive
The proposal to transfer the Idaho Center — which includes an amphitheater, equestrian facilities, and event space — has sparked significant local debate. While some residents voiced concern over the lack of a public vote, others supported moving forward with CWI’s plan.
The Nampa Chamber of Commerce endorsed the transfer, with Chamber President Mitch Minnette noting the community tension caused by the prolonged debate. “Too many relationships and friendships are being divided,” he said. “We support a timely decision.”
CWI’s Commitment and Use Plans
CWI has stated that it plans to use the property to expand its campus and offer new educational and training opportunities to students, while also maintaining the site’s traditional role as a venue for public events.
Sherri Boardman, President of the Idaho Horse Park Foundation, confirmed her organization had reached a contractual agreement with CWI to continue using the venue for at least the next ten years, with an option to extend. After initial concerns, the foundation ultimately expressed strong support for the transfer.
“CWI offers a promising and responsible future for the Ford Idaho Center complex,” Boardman said.
What Comes Next
The final step will be a vote by the CWI Board of Trustees to accept the property. If approved, the transition will formally move forward in 2026, with current operations expected to remain uninterrupted.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
- Politics – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
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