Salem County officials, volunteers and township representatives met in a public working session to review options for a permanent county animal shelter and said a Kearneys Point property commonly called "Sears Farm" appears to be the leading candidate.

Isabella Getz, a member of the shelter committee, told the meeting the Kearneys Point location "looks like the location in Kearneys Point is going to be the best option for us," noting the site has existing runs, space for cat rooms and room for livestock needs that would reduce immediate renovation demands.

The working group described a two-step approach: maintain temporary arrangements now while obtaining a purchase price and estimates for upgrades that would make the site a viable, long-term shelter. Participants said an inspection was completed the day before the meeting and they expect to have an initial estimate of improvement costs within a week or two. The group also said it hopes to determine the property's purchase price within roughly two weeks so the working group can present concrete numbers to each municipality for consideration.

Heather McManus, identified in the meeting as a township administrator, described the Kearneys Point facility as structurally promising but in need of upgrades, including fencing and interior cleanup. "It definitely is going to need money to put into it," she said, while noting the layout could accommodate medical and adoption areas with work.

Meeting participants described temporary arrangements already in place: the committee has agreements with other animal-control partners and several townships have signed accords to cover bills as animals are moved between locations. The group reported seeing fewer stray-dog postings on social media since those interim measures began.

Attendees discussed potential funding approaches and shared-cost models. The group estimated that about 12 to 15 municipalities could share operation costs and said one option would be to pass acquisition and upgrade costs back to municipalities, including by using bond financing. A county staff member cautioned that site-specific infrastructure costs could be significant — for example, a septic upgrade was cited as potentially costing about $26,000 — and urged realism about total project costs.

The working group outlined immediate next steps: collect and confirm the improvement-cost estimate, identify the purchase price, and reconvene the working group to review numbers. Members suggested a June 24 working-group meeting at 6 p.m. to review findings; the county's next commissioner meeting was noted as either June 18 or July 9. The group emphasized that any formal acquisition would return to the municipalities for approval before funds are committed.

Speakers at the meeting praised the volunteer effort and broad participation. Don A.C., representing Mannington Township, thanked volunteers and county commissioners for pursuing options and keeping the process moving. The session closed with a motion to adjourn that carried by voice vote.