SHELTER CHANGE POSSIBLE — Hancock County Commissioners agreed Thursday to seek proposals from non-profit organizations to run the day-to-day business operations of the county’s animal shelter. -- Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND — The Hancock County Animal Shelter may soon return to having its day-to-day operations overseen by a nonprofit organization.

As part of their meeting Thursday, county commissioners voted 2-1 to seek proposals from non-profit agencies “to manage and operate the Hancock County Animal Shelter to include all necessary buildings, structures, grounds, spaces and equipment, as well as animal shelter services as may be necessary to receive, maintain, care for and provide for the appropriate disposition of all domestic animals that fall within the legal authority of the Hancock County Commission.”

A pre-bid meeting has been scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Aug. 8 at the shelter, located at 715 Gas Valley Road, New Cumberland, with proposals from any interested non-profits due by 2:30 p.m. Aug. 14.

“I believe the animal shelter will benefit with a nonprofit being a partner,” Commissioner Tommy Ogden said.

Ogden said the idea would be for the county to continue providing funds already budgeted for operations of the shelter, with any nonprofit contracted to run the shelter also able to add money it raises.

“It’s no more a burden to the county taxpayers and more animals will get help,” Ogden said.

The shelter previously was operated by a nonprofit — the Hancock County Animal Shelter Foundation — for 19 years. Those arrangements ended in 2016 after the foundation and previous county commissioners could not agree on terms for a new agreement.

Commission President Eron Chek, who cast the lone vote against the proposal, explained if a nonprofit is selected, that organization would be tasked with the day-to-day business operations of the shelter, but added she is uncertain this is the right time to make such a move.

“I think it’s a very good idea, but I think the timing is bad,” Chek said, noting the county only recently hired a new shelter director.

Chek and Ogden admitted there also have been issues with manpower at the shelter. Over the last two months, seven full-time personnel have submitted their resignations, with Chek previously saying many quit after Caylee Stewart was hired as shelter director instead of an existing employee.

During Thursday’s meeting Chek said she had been told she has been part of the reason for the loss of staff.

Commissioner Paul Cowey noted it wasn’t certain an outside agency would be selected in the coming months, or at all, but he feels such a move would be beneficial for the county.

“I believe we are putting the animals first,” he said. “It may not happen. It certainly won’t happen overnight.”

In a related matter, Thursday, Stewart announced the shelter had received the 2024 Best Friend’s No Kill Award.

“We are a no-kill shelter and plan on staying a no-kill shelter,” she said, noting the award is one the shelter has received for numerous years.