Hancock Commission approves year-long agreement for animal shelter
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NEW CUMBERLAND - The Jefferson County Humane Society will have a full year of managing the Hancock County Animal Shelter following a renewal of its agreement with Hancock County commissioners.
County commissioners, Tuesday, approved a new year-long lease and operating agreement with the humane society, continuing the operational arrangement which began Nov. 1.
"We're happy to keep them," noted Commission President Eron Chek, offering thanks to County Administrator John Klee and County Finance Administrator Ira Aracich on completing the new agreement. "I know it was extensive."
Commissioners approved the initial agreement with the Steubenville-based animal welfare organization last fall, establishing a six-month term, which would have wrapped up today. Through the new agreement, the Humane Society will oversee the county animal shelter, located on Gas Valley Road, through the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Klee noted there were only a couple of minor tweaks to the agreement, including setting the new calendar term.
"It's a 12-month agreement," Klee confirmed.
As part of the arrangement, the county will provide $360,000 toward costs of the animal shelter, with the majority provided through the county's new animal shelter levy.
"It's through the levy and other funds," Klee said.
County voters approved the levy - providing $300,000 per year for four years – in May, with a 68.55% rate. The county's last levy in support of the animal shelter expired in 2023, collecting $100,000 per year. County officials have noted the higher amount was needed as a result of increased costs.
Founded in 1915, the Jefferson County Humane Society was formed to be an advocate for animals in Jefferson County and, originally, the county’s children. The organization has managed Jefferson County’s animal shelter since 2010, with the county employing dog wardens and the Humane Society providing for other employees, as well as all aspects of care and other programs for animals at the shelter. In recent years, it has launched a veterinarian medical program for animals at the shelter, which offers low-cost medical services to the public.
Since taking over management in Hancock County, the organization has increased staff training opportunities, adjusted its marketing focus, and now have a veterinarian available on site at least once each week, with telemedicine consultations also available.
The shelter also is working on increasing volunteer and fundraising opportunities.