Theresa Hitchcock, Calaveras County administrative officer, said the county will present completed plans and specifications for a new animal services facility to the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 28.

The county has set aside $4 million toward the project but currently estimates the facility will cost about $11 million, leaving an approximate $7 million shortfall. "We're really excited for that presentation to happen," Hitchcock said, and added the county is pursuing grants and other funding opportunities. She said the architect designed the project so it could be built in phases if full funding is not available.

Hitchcock said the county shelter in San Andreas and the local Humane Society — located closer to Angels Camp — both operate near capacity. She described the two facilities as serving different geographic parts of the county: the Humane Society better serves Angels Camp and surroundings, while the county shelter serves Valley Springs, West Point, McColumie Hill and Railroad Flat residents.

The CAO urged animal lovers to tune into the Jan. 28 board meeting to review the design and details. She said the board has identified the animal shelter as a priority and that staff will continue to explore grant and phased-construction options to complete the project.

Budget details and specific grant sources were not specified in the interview. No formal board action or vote on the plans was recorded in the interview itself.