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Hancock County authorizes engineering scope to study animal shelter remodel or replacement
Summary
The board voted 5-0 to authorize the county engineer to prepare a scope of work and begin investigating options to remodel or replace the county animal shelter following flooding and operational concerns; supervisors and shelter staff flagged drainage, sanitation and capacity issues.
The Hancock County Board of Supervisors authorized the county engineer to develop a scope of work and start investigating options for remodeling or constructing a new county animal shelter.
The action followed presentations from shelter staff and a donor representative about repeated flooding in kennel areas and the facility’s limitations. Shelter personnel described ankle‑deep water in outdoor kennel overhangs after heavy rain, a pump that could not keep pace with inflow and disease risk from standing water. Supervisors and staff said current outdoor and interior drainage and floor materials make sanitation difficult and increase parasite and pathogen risk.
Board members noted a recent unsolicited donation of funds from a local company (Industrial Corrosion Control) and discussed keeping donated money separate to use toward shelter improvements. Shelter advocates and staff described the need for enclosed, concrete construction and improved drainage, estimating a minimum kennel capacity increase from 51 to roughly 75 to support a higher live‑release rate.
The board voted 5-0 to add an agenda item directing the county engineer to prepare a proposal and begin concept work for animal-shelter remodel or replacement and then approved a motion authorizing the engineer to provide a scope of work and begin investigations (vote 5-0). The county will engage with shelter staff and relevant departments and return with concepts and cost estimates for future board consideration.
Ending: The county engineer will produce a scope and concept options for the shelter; supervisors said they will consider funding and facility siting in a later budget conversation.
