The nonprofit that operates the county’s animal shelter told Gibson County commissioners it has raised most of the construction funds for a new county‑owned shelter building but still needs about $226,000 to complete site utilities, septic, water and fencing before occupancy.

Director’s request: shelter leadership said ARPA, TIF and private donations have raised the bulk of the cost for the physical structure — the nonprofit reported roughly $2.1 million raised total — but the contractor and architect estimates show a remaining infrastructure gap for electric, septic, fencing and related site work. The director asked the county to fund those site costs as a one‑time county contribution to enable the building to open.

Operational needs and wages: the director also proposed raising some hourly wages for shelter staff (for example moving $11–$12/hour roles to $14–$16/hour) and adding one full‑time position to staff the larger facility. The nonprofit said those wage changes are necessary to recruit and retain employees who currently work long or irregular hours and do not receive county benefits.

Why it matters: commissioners will own the building if the nonprofit vacates or the county later changes operators, county staff said; investing in utilities now would de‑risk the capital asset and avoid additional county expenditures later. The shelter operates intake, vaccination clinics, foster placement and animal control in partnership with county animal control services.

Next steps: the request is a formal ask — not a vote this meeting. The director supplied cost estimates and fundraising numbers and asked commissioners to consider the one‑time infrastructure contribution and direction on wage support. Commissioners did not take immediate formal action but heard the request and asked staff to review costs and funding options.

Ending: staff said they would analyze the estimates and report back with options for funding the utilities and site work; the shelter director said volunteers and donated labor would continue to lower remaining costs where possible.