Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 61-24-6 - Awarding grants by the commissioner6.1. The Commissioner may establish an advisory committee of animal welfare advocates. The Advisory Committee shall conduct a preliminary review of grant applications, and make recommendations to the Commissioner for grants based on animal welfare best practices, volume of spay neuter services contemplated to be provided, and the efficiency of spay neuter service delivery. The Advisory Committee shall give preference to applicants that intend to operate a low-income restricted program. The Advisory Committee shall make recommendations for action, if necessary, on interim and post-grant reports by grantees on the use of grant funds. The committee shall abide by standard 'conflict of interest' policies.6.2. The Commissioner shall review grant applications and the recommendations of the advisory committee to approve, reject or modify the amount requested within 90 days of receipt of an application. The Commission shall give preference to applicants that intend to operate a low-income restricted program. The Commissioner shall notify the applicant of the final disposition of their application within 30 days of the Commissioner's decision.6.3. The Commissioner shall enter into a grant contract with the grantee which shall include the terms, conditions and requirements of the grant.6.4. The grantee shall disburse funds within the grant term determined by the Commissioner and stated in the grant contract. Thereafter, the Commissioner may extend a grant term; otherwise the grant and any undisbursed grant amounts expire and all unused monies shall be returned to the Fund. A grantee may apply for a subsequent or concurrent grant.6.5. The Commissioner may amend a current grant to a higher or lower amount at any point during the grant term following the initial approval.6.6. A grantee shall notify the Commissioner of any subsequent change in its 501(c)(3) status that would disqualify it from participation in the spay neuter assistance program or otherwise negatively affect its ability to participate. A grantee shall execute the program as designated in the grant contract unless changes are approved in writing by the Commissioner.6.7. The Commissioner may revoke a grant and deny further participation by a grantee in the spay neuter program, if it is determined that the grantee has failed to comply with the requirements of the program and this rule.6.8. The Commissioner shall maintain and make available to the public, a current list of grantees and their contact information.6.9. A grantee shall comply with the provisions of W. Va. Code § 12-4-14, and legislative rules promulgated regarding accountability of persons receiving state funds or grants.6.10. A grantee may not impose any administrative, processing or other extraneous fee or charge upon an owner or caretaker. A grantee shall not charge a fee incident to adoption to cover spay neuter services paid for under the spay neuter assistance program. If such a fee is charged, the spay neuter services are not eligible for reimbursement.6.11. A grantee shall maintain proper financial records on the use of grant monies.6.12. Upon completion of a grant, a grantee shall file, with the Commissioner, a report on the outcomes of the grant in fulfillment of its terms, conditions and requirements. For grants with a term of 12 months or longer, the grantee shall also file with the Commissioner an interim report within six (6) months of receiving the grant.