Brooke County needs a new animal shelter.

In 2004, voters had a choice to either keep the current shelter, which is in poor condition, or pass a levy.

The levy stated the purpose was to "provide funding for the construction of and equipment for a new animal shelter."

Although the levy passed, some residents recently contacted NEWS9 claiming taxpayers are being mislead.

Harold Strope of Wellsburg said, “I thought they would build a new shelter all together."

That is not what’s happening.

The county is renovating a building in Beech Bottom, donated by the old Windsor Coal Company.

NEWS9 asked former Commission President John Casinelli to find out exactly what he asked voters to pay for.

“We were asking them to pay for a new shelter,” said Casinelli. “But, I don't know if the intent then was that the levy would be the answer to the complete cost of the shelter."

Given rising construction costs and other factors, the $338,000 levy didn't generate enough money to build brand new.

In fact, current Commission President Bernie Kozienko said the levy would only cover half the cost.

“Frankly, it came down to what we could afford,” said Kozienko. “The County Commission is moving in a positive direction with the shelter."

Commissioners told NEWS9 the building will be safe and state of the art with new floors, new equipment and a new ventilation system.

Brooke County Dog Warden Jim Andreozzi said, “When we house animals in Brooke County, they're going to be as healthy as they can be and as comfortable as they can be."

NEWS9 asked taxpayers if they think the renovated building will be acceptable.

Henrietta Jackfert of Wellsburg said, “Yes, as long as they're living up to the standards they're supposed to in taking care of the animals."

“If it's adequate, it’s great,” said Strope. “Everyone would like to have something brand new, but it just doesn't work that way sometimes."

The Brooke County prosecutor said the levy never stated the money would build a brand new shelter.

Commissioners plan to hold an open house when the shelter is finished late this summer.

Other offices will be located at the shelter, including the Brooke County Emergency Management Agency; however, commissioners said work on those offices will not be paid for with animal shelter money.